Rays Split Squad Matchups Lack TV Broadcast

Teams face Twins and Phillies in spring training games with only radio coverage available

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Rays have split their squad for spring training games on Friday, with one group traveling to face the Minnesota Twins and another remaining in Port Charlotte to take on the Philadelphia Phillies. However, neither of these games will be televised, leaving fans to rely on radio broadcasts to follow the action.

Why it matters

The lack of TV coverage for these Rays spring training games highlights the ongoing challenges faced by baseball fans in accessing live games, especially for less prominent matchups. While radio broadcasts can provide an alternative, the visual element of television is often preferred by many viewers.

The details

The Rays have sent one contingent of players to face the Twins at 1:05 PM at Lee Health Sports Complex, while another group will remain in Port Charlotte to take on the Phillies at the same time. Both games will feature Rays pitchers Brody Hopkins and Shane McClanahan on the mound. Fans will have to tune in to the Twins radio team to follow the action against Minnesota, and the Rays radio coverage for the game in Port Charlotte.

  • The Rays vs Twins game starts at 1:05 PM on Friday, March 3, 2026.
  • The Rays vs Phillies game also starts at 1:05 PM on Friday, March 3, 2026.

The players

Brody Hopkins

A Rays pitcher who will start one of the split squad games.

Shane McClanahan

Another Rays pitcher who will start one of the split squad games.

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The takeaway

The lack of TV coverage for these Rays spring training games underscores the ongoing challenges baseball fans face in accessing live games, especially for less prominent matchups. While radio broadcasts can provide an alternative, the visual element of television is often preferred by many viewers.