MLB Adjusts Tampa Bay Rays' Schedule to Avoid Summer Rain at Steinbrenner Field

In response to the extensive damage at Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton, Major League Baseball has made adjustments to the Tampa Bay Rays' schedule for the upcoming season. The aim is to minimize disruptions due to summer rain at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays' temporary home.

Early-Season Home Advantage
The Rays are set to play 19 of their first 22 games at home and 37 of 54 games through May 28. However, this front-loaded home schedule means they will spend 64 of their last 108 games on the road, with only eight home games each in July and August.

Series Adjustments
To avoid peak summer rains, MLB has rescheduled several series. A series initially slated for April 7-9 at the Los Angeles Angels will now take place in Tampa from April 8-10. The return series will be held in Anaheim from August 4-6 instead of St. Petersburg from August 5-7. Additionally, the Minnesota Twins will play their first series against the Rays at Steinbrenner Field from May 26-28, with the second series at Target Field in Minneapolis from July 4-6.

Road Trips
The Rays face a demanding road schedule, including a 10-game trip to Minnesota, Detroit, and Boston leading into the All-Star break, followed by a 12-game stretch visiting the Angels, Seattle, Oakland, and San Francisco from August 4-17.

Impact of Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton struck on October 9, severely damaging Tropicana Field, leaving much of its fabric roof shredded. The Rays, who have called the Trop home since their inception in 1998, are unlikely to return until 2026 at the earliest, if at all.

Weather Considerations
Historically, Tampa sees significant rainfall during the summer months. According to the National Weather Service, average monthly rainfall rises dramatically from 2.25 inches in April and 2.60 inches in May to 7.37 inches in June, peaking at 9.03 inches in August before tapering off.

Steinbrenner Field Challenges
The Class A Tampa Tarpons, who usually play at Steinbrenner Field, experienced multiple weather-related disruptions this past season, including six home postponements, two cancellations, and four suspended games from June 21 through their season finale on September 8.

Opening Series
​The Rays will start their season with six home games against the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by a three-game road series in Texas. They will then return for a 13-game homestand featuring the Angels, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees.