Rays 4/6/15 (Opening Day) Starting Lineup
1. Jaso, DH
2. Souza, RF
3. Cabrera, SS
4. Longoria, 3B
5. Loney, 1B
6. Jennings, LF
7. Forsythe, 2B
8. Rivera, C
9. Kiermaier, CF
SP: Archer, RHP
Opening Day Schedule of Events (Per Marc Topkin)
11 a.m.: Tropicana Field parking lots open
Noon: Gates open (metal detectors and wand screening), players greeting fans first few minutes; Rays batting practice
1 p.m.: Orioles batting practice; shuttle service from downtown starts
2:40: Team introductions
2:52: Presentation of colors by Joint Service Color Guard team from the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force base; 50-yard-wide flag.
2:53: National anthem by Cozi Zuehisdorff, 16-year-old singer/actor who appeared in Dolphin Tale movies
2:55: Ceremony retiring No. 66 in honor of the late Don Zimmer
3:03: Ceremonial first pitch by Vince Naimoli, original owner of team
3:08: Rays take the field
3:10: First pitch by Chris Archer
Noteworthiness
- INF Juan Francisco has opted out of his minor-league deal with the Rays rather than go to the Triple-A Durham Bulls.
- What’s that? You haven’t read our Rays/Orioles series preview? Get cracking, turkey!
- While you are at it, check out our query going into the season.