Orioles and Rays Clash in Tampa Amid Unusual Circumstances

TAMPA, Florida — The Baltimore Orioles are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field, starting June 16, 2025. This four-game series marks the Orioles’ first regular season visit to the Rays’ temporary home, following significant damage to Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton last October.

The 11,026-seat ballpark has served as the Rays’ makeshift home this season. Despite past meetings in spring training, the Orioles have never played here during the regular season. The ballpark has proven neutral with a league-average Park Factor of 100, meaning neither hitters nor pitchers have a clear advantage.

The Rays have adjusted well to their new venue, showing improvement from an early season malaise. After dipping to a 21-26 record, they rebounded with an impressive 18-6 record over 24 games. Their pitching has been strong, with a bullpen ERA of 3.05, which leads the American League. Closer Pete Fairbanks and fellow relievers Manuel Rodríguez and Garrett Cleavinger have been particularly effective.

On offense, the Rays lead the league with 97 stolen bases. José Caballero has notched 25 steals to lead all players, while first baseman Jonathan Aranda is the team’s top hitter, boasting a .902 OPS. Also contributing to the lineup are veteran infielders Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe, both seasoned in their roles after years with the Rays.

The Orioles enter the series after sweeping the Los Angeles Angels and are looking to carry that momentum against a formidable Rays squad. The matchup will see Zach Eflin (6-2, 4.08) starting for the Rays against Baltimore’s Ryan Pepiot (3-6, 3.31), who has shown consistency in his outings this season.

Eflin, now with the Orioles after being traded last July, has a mixed history against the Rays but has recently found his footing with a 1.83 ERA over his past three starts. Meanwhile, Pepiot has established himself as a reliable starter, with five innings of work almost guaranteed in most games.

The starting lineups reflect a fierce competition, as both teams aim for a crucial victory in this pivotal series. As the stakes rise, fans will witness how both teams navigate the unique challenges of playing in a temporary home for the Rays.