2024 MLB Opening Day Preview: Blue Jays vs Rays

Thursday marks the opening day for Major League Baseball and the Toronto Blue Jays open up their season against the Tampa Bay Rays. Both teams had disappointing ends to their seasons in the 2023 MLB Postseason and both teams will look to have a great first series and bounce back this year.

Speculation is that it will be Jose Berrios up against Zach Eflin in the first battle of the season. Berrios is looking to have his best year as a Blue Jay, while Eflin hopes to build off a strong season in 2023. Thursday marks the opening of a four-game series.

HELLO 👋

IT’S OFFICIALLY #OPENINGDAY! pic.twitter.com/2JuVbPbFxd
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 28, 2024

Let’s go over an opening-day preview.

Blue Jays Have Something to Prove

The Toronto Blue Jays will look for Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrrero Jr. to get them off to a great start. The team needs them to step up and lead a group with something to prove in 2024.

People online have stated that the Toronto Blue Jays have hit their ceiling and will not do any damage with the current roster. Well, this team will attempt to prove those people wrong when the season starts on Thursday. Newcomers Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Justin Turner will look to have an impact in their season debuts. Kiner-Falefa is replacing Matt Chapman at third base. Meanwhile, Justin Turner will add more support to the top of the lineup. Toronto Blue Jay fans are hoping to see a full season of 2023 sensation Davis Schneider. He was a spark plug for them last season from the moment he made his debut. Let’s see what 2024 has in store for him.

Rays Changed Up Their Pitching

The Tampa Bay Rays face some differences in the starting rotation as 2024 opens up. Trading pitcher Tyler Glasnow to the Los Angeles Dodgers was an eye-opening move this offseason. They also have impactful pitchers Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen starting the season on injury reserve. Not to mention they lost young star Wander Franco due to off-field issues.

Thursday will present a new Tampa Bay Rays team that still has many great players. The team will rely on the likes of Yandy Diaz, Randy Arozarena, and Isaac Paredes to boost the offense. These guys are still capable of doing lots of damage with the bats. With the Rays having a strong bullpen, this should be a fantastic series to start things off!

Who do you have in this opening day preview?

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