Rays Announce Lineup, Starting Pitcher for Spring Training Matchup Against Red Sox

Here is the starting lineup for the Tampa Bay Rays against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday.

Sep 26, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) runs the bases on his solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at Rogers Centre. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

With spring training underway, the Tampa Bay Rays will be facing off against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday afternoon, looking to build some momentum against a division rival. 

Even though it is early in spring training, there have been some good things for the Rays so far. A lot of their young talent has been on display, and that is certainly what the franchise wants to see. 

This winter, it was a bit of a balancing attack for the team trying to compete in 2026, while keeping an eye on the future. If some of their young talent continues to develop, it will undoubtedly make this campaign a better one. 

On Thursday, Tampa Bay will be playing the Red Sox with some of that young talent on display and veteran Steven Matz taking the hill. Here is the starting lineup for the team. 

Starting Lineup for Thursday

#Rays lineup at #RedSox: pic.twitter.com/6abYNx3Pti

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 26, 2026

This is a pretty good lineup for the Rays in this one, and it is worth noting that top prospect Carson Williams will be batting leadoff. With Taylor Walls still a bit banged up, it is the talented prospect getting some more chances to impress. 

Furthermore, both Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda are in the lineup on Thursday as they continue to prepare for the World Baseball Classic. All eyes will certainly be on Matz in this one, and it will be imperative for him to have a good spring transitioning back to being a starter. The southpaw will be going against his former team and trying to set the tone for Tampa Bay in this one.