Blue Jays vs Rays: Starting Lineup - Game Preview
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays take one the Tampa Bay Rays in their first meeting of 2026 Spring Training at the Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte, FL.
The Toronto Blue Jays (1-4) just can't seem to pick up a Spring Training victory lately.
On Thursday afternoon, they took on the Miami Marlins in Dunedin, falling 8-7 after having a 7-2 lead in the eighth inning.
The reigning Golden Grapefruit Champs will get an to opportunity to redeem themselves today against the Rays in Port Charlotte, FL.
Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer will make his second start of Spring Training today versus Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot. First Pitch 1:05 PM ET.
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Toronto Blue Jays Starting Lineup
1. CF Nathan Lukes
2. 2B Davis Schneider
3. RF Addison Barger
4. LF Jesus Sanchez
5. DH Eloy Jimenez
6. SS Leo Jimenez
7. C CJ Stubbs
8. 3B Ben Cowles
9. 1B Riley Tirotta
SP Eric Lauer
2. 2B Davis Schneider
3. RF Addison Barger
4. LF Jesus Sanchez
5. DH Eloy Jimenez
6. SS Leo Jimenez
7. C CJ Stubbs
8. 3B Ben Cowles
9. 1B Riley Tirotta
SP Eric Lauer
Starting pitchers overview
Last year, Eric Lauer showed he can handle a swingman role by helping stabilize the Blue Jays rotation early with 15 vital starts, before being moved to the bullpen for the season's final month, putting team before himself.
The lefty made 15 starts and 13 relief appearances for Toronto, posting a 3.18 ERA in 104 2/3 innings.
That sort of flexibility could be particularly valuable, once again, providing Toronto with a lefty reliever and rotation depth all in one.
Ryan Pepiot gets the ball for the Rays today. Acquiring Pepiot last year was one of their sneakier acquisitions, with the righty providing a 3.70 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in a breakout campaign.
Pepiot is a pitcher who follows a familiar Rays blueprint: fastballs up, change-ups down and mix in something to the sides.
In 2025 held lefties to a .175 average, but allowed 26 home runs overall, 16 of which came against righties.
The prevailing thought might be that Pepiot should do much better moving back into Tropicana Field because Steinbrenner Field was too punishing for him
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 27|72 ANSWERS Blue Jays vs Rays: Starting Lineup - Game Preview Who do you think will win today's game between the Toronto Blue Jays & Tampa Bay Rays? | ||
| Toronto Blue Jays | 44 | 61.1 % |
| Tampa Bay Rays | 28 | 38.9 % |
| List of polls | ||