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Baseball Cardinals face the Tampa Bay Rays tonight on Opening Day in historic matchup. First pitch arrives at 3:15 p.m. CT at Busch Stadium. This marks the first-ever Opening Day game between these franchises.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Game Time: 3:15 p.m. CT Thursday, March 26 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis
- Historic Moment: First Opening Day matchup in franchise history between Cardinals and Rays
- Cardinal Pitcher: Matthew Liberatore gets the ball, first Opening Day start for the young left-hander
- Rays Pitcher: Drew Rasmussen starts for Tampa Bay, also making his first Opening Day appearance
Cardinals Begin New Era Under Chaim Bloom Leadership
The St. Louis Cardinals open a transformative 2026 season tonight against the Rays at Busch Stadium. This is not a run-it-back year. Instead, the Cardinals begin building toward a brighter future under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, formerly of the Rays. The franchise finished 78-84 last season, missing the postseason.
Opening Day traditions continue undeterred. The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales will parade around the field. Hall of Famers will be introduced in red jackets. The Red and Black Brass Band will perform the national anthem. Yet the roster looks markedly different, filled with youth and untested talent.
Cardinals face Rays tonight on Opening Day at Busch Stadium, 3:15 p.m. CT
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Matthew Liberatore Earns First Opening Day Assignment
Matthew Liberatore, only 26 years old, becomes the first Cardinals left-hander to start Opening Day since Donovan Osborne in 1999. The pitcher has deep roots in this matchup, having been traded by the Rays in 2020 as part of the Randy Arozarena deal. Liberatore finished last season 8-12 with a 4.21 ERA in 29 starts.
“Every pitcher growing up wants to throw the first pitch of the season for their team,” Liberatore acknowledged. He limited walks during spring training, allowing only one free pass in 13 1/3 innings across his exhibition starts. This discipline should serve the young left-hander well against a Rays lineup featuring slugger Junior Caminero, who smashed 45 home runs last season.
Drew Rasmussen Peaks at Busch Stadium for Rays
Right-hander Drew Rasmussen represents a remarkable comeback story. The Rays pitcher endured three major elbow surgeries, yet returned to post an impressive 10-5 record with a 2.76 ERA across 31 starts last season. In August 2024, Rasmussen made an emotional return to Busch Stadium, where he recovered from his third surgical procedure. Now he starts the season there.
“I’m really honored. It’s really cool to get the opportunity to pitch on Opening Day. It truly is a blessing and it is humbling, and I’m excited for the opportunity,” Rasmussen said. Rays president Erik Neander made the call so decisive he didn’t even ask the manager, simply texting that Opening Day belonged to Rasmussen.
| Factor | Cardinals | Rays |
| Team Record (2025) | 78-84 | Below .500 |
| Opening Day Starter | Matthew Liberatore (LHP) | Drew Rasmussen (RHP) |
| Starting Pitcher Stats | 8-12, 4.21 ERA | 10-5, 2.76 ERA |
| Key Slugger | Prospect JJ Wetherholt | Junior Caminero (45 HRs) |
“It truly is a blessing and it is humbling, and I’m excited for the opportunity.”
— Drew Rasmussen, Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
Warm Weather Could Define How Tonight’s Game Unfolds
Unlike typical March Opening Days, St. Louis expects unseasonably warm conditions. Temperature could reach 90 degrees by first pitch, potentially the warmest Opening Day in Busch Stadium III history. The Cardinals have stationed seven 125-gallon water coolers around the ballpark.
This early warmth may favor Caminero’s power and benefit offensive-minded teams. The Cardinals will rely on defensive excellence and discipline at the plate. Both teams missed last year’s postseason and enter looking to prove themselves.
What Should We Expect From Tonight’s Cardinals Baseball Matchup?
Busch Stadium will welcome upwards of 48,000 fans for this historic Opening Day between franchises meeting for the first time on the season’s opening night. Gates open at noon, allowing ticketed fans to watch batting practice and explore the revamped stadium.
Cardinals officials expect an exciting contest that tests both young rotations. The Cardinals are betting on youth and player development. The Rays counter with proven veterans like Rasmussen. First pitch comes just after 3:15 p.m. CT, but arrive early to experience the full Opening Day ceremony magic.
Sources
- MLB.com – Official Opening Day starters announcement and player coverage
- FOX 2 St. Louis – Cardinals home opener guide and details
- Major League Baseball – Historic franchise matchup information
