Reds, Rays Set for Early Season Clash

Two teams riding hot starts to the season meet in a three-game series in Florida.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 8:10am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, navy blue, and powder blue representing the players and action on the field.Two of baseball's hottest teams clash in an early-season showdown, with the Reds and Rays both exceeding expectations so far in 2026.St. Petersburg Today

The Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays will open a three-game series on Monday night in St. Petersburg, Florida. Both teams have gotten off to strong starts to the 2026 MLB season and will look to continue their winning ways in this early-season matchup.

Why it matters

The Reds and Rays are two of the surprise teams in baseball so far this year, with both clubs exceeding preseason expectations. This series could provide an early indication of whether these teams are legitimate contenders or if their hot starts are a fluke.

The details

The Reds and Rays have both gotten off to 12-6 records to begin the season, putting them near the top of their respective divisions. The Reds have been led by a resurgent offense, while the Rays' pitching staff has been dominant. This three-game set will feature two of the hottest teams in baseball early in the year.

  • The series begins on Monday, April 20, 2026.
  • The teams will play three games, concluding on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The players

Cincinnati Reds

A Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio that plays in the National League Central division.

Tampa Bay Rays

A Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida that plays in the American League East division.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be a great series between two teams that have really impressed so far this season. Both the Reds and Rays have shown they can win in different ways, so it should make for some exciting baseball.”

— Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays Manager

“We know the Rays are a tough team, but we're confident in our ability to go into their ballpark and come away with a series win. Our guys are playing with a lot of energy and belief right now.”

— David Bell, Cincinnati Reds Manager

What’s next

The winner of the series will take an early lead in the race for the best record in baseball. Both teams will look to build on their strong starts and establish themselves as contenders in their respective leagues.

The takeaway

This early-season matchup between the Reds and Rays features two of the most surprising teams in baseball so far. Their hot starts have defied preseason expectations, and this series could provide a glimpse into whether they are legitimate playoff contenders or if their success has been a fluke.