Rays and Cubs Open 3-Game Series in St. Petersburg

Both teams look to bounce back from 4-5 starts to the 2026 MLB season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:03am

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The Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs will begin a three-game series on Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays had a 77-85 record overall and a 41-40 record at home last season, while the Cubs went 92-70 overall and 42-39 on the road in 2025. Both teams currently sit at 4-5 to start the 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

This early-season series between the Rays and Cubs features two teams looking to gain momentum and establish themselves as contenders in their respective divisions. The Rays will aim to protect their home field advantage, while the Cubs hope to bounce back from their slow start on the road.

The details

The Rays will send left-hander Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA) to the mound, while the Cubs counter with right-hander Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00 ERA). McClanahan made four starts for the Rays last season, posting a 1.07 WHIP and 4 strikeouts. Taillon is making his 2026 debut after signing with the Cubs in the offseason.

  • The series opener is scheduled for Monday, April 6th at 4:10 p.m. EDT.

The players

Shane McClanahan

A left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who made four starts in 2025 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.

Jameson Taillon

A right-handed starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is making his 2026 debut after signing with the team in the offseason.

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The takeaway

This early-season series between the Rays and Cubs features two teams looking to establish themselves as contenders in their respective divisions. The outcome could provide an early indication of which team is better positioned to make a playoff push in 2026.