Rays Bash 3 Homers in Return to Tropicana Field

Cedric Mullins, Junior Caminero, and Jonathan Aranda power Tampa Bay to victory over the Cubs

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the energy and excitement of a Rays home game at Tropicana Field.The vibrant return of the Rays to their newly renovated home stadium is celebrated through a cubist interpretation of the game action and fan energy.St. Petersburg Today

The Tampa Bay Rays returned to Tropicana Field after playing the 2025 season at George Steinbrenner Field due to hurricane damage. In front of a sellout crowd of 25,114, the Rays defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-3 behind home runs from Cedric Mullins, Junior Caminero, and Jonathan Aranda.

Why it matters

The Rays' return to their home stadium after a year away is a symbolic moment for the team and its fans, signaling a return to normalcy after the disruption caused by Hurricane Milton in 2024. The win also keeps the Rays above .500 on the young season as they look to contend in the AL East.

The details

Cedric Mullins, Junior Caminero, and Jonathan Aranda each hit solo home runs to power the Rays' offense. Starter Shane McClanahan struggled with his command, walking four batters in four innings, but the Rays' bullpen was able to hold the lead. The Rays fell behind 2-0 early but rallied with a three-run second inning to take the lead for good.

  • The Rays played the 2025 season at George Steinbrenner Field after Hurricane Milton blew the roof off Tropicana Field in October 2024.
  • The Rays' home opener at the newly renovated Tropicana Field was on April 6, 2026.

The players

Cedric Mullins

Rays outfielder who hit a two-run home run in the second inning to tie the game.

Junior Caminero

Rays outfielder who hit a solo home run in the third inning to give the Rays a 4-2 lead.

Jonathan Aranda

Rays infielder who hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning to extend the Rays' lead.

Shane McClanahan

Rays starting pitcher who struggled with his command, walking four batters in four innings.

Jamison Taillon

Cubs starting pitcher who took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) in six innings.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited for our fans. Today is their day, right?”

— Ken Babby, Rays Chief Executive Officer

“It's a testament to the great work in the city of St. Petersburg, the Rays, our whole team. It's an incredible moment. I could not be more elated for our community and excited for this moment.”

— Ken Babby, Rays Chief Executive Officer

“After everything that has transpired over the past 18 months...we all ended up here – on Opening Day.”

— Andy Freed, Rays Radio

What’s next

The Rays and Cubs will continue their three-game series on Tuesday night, with Drew Rasmussen taking the mound for Tampa Bay against Javier Assad of the Cubs.

The takeaway

The Rays' return to Tropicana Field after a year away represents a symbolic homecoming for the team and its fans, who are eager to put the disruption of Hurricane Milton behind them and focus on the new season. The team's strong offensive performance, led by three home runs, suggests they are poised to contend in the AL East once again.