Major League Baseball made adjustments to its 2025 schedule, with the Tampa Bay Rays relocating their home games to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the upcoming season due to the aftermath of Hurricane Milton damaging Tropicana Field.
A statement released by MLB explained that these changes were implemented to ensure optimal playing conditions as the Rays transition to an outdoor ballpark.
To avoid the high humidity levels characteristic of Tampa Bay summers, the schedule was revised to move a series between the Rays and Los Angeles Angels from Angel Stadium to Steinbrenner Field in April, while another series in August will be played in Anaheim instead of Tampa.
Additionally, two series involving the Rays and Minnesota Twins will switch locations on the schedule, with games moving between Tampa and Minneapolis to accommodate the new venue arrangements.
As a consequence of these adjustments, the Rays will spend a significant portion of their remaining games on the road, as reported by the Associated Press.
Steinbrenner Field, known for hosting spring training games for the New York Yankees, will accommodate the Rays for the 2025 season. The decision to relocate games came after Tropicana Field suffered significant damage to its roof panels during Hurricane Milton, requiring extensive repairs that would not be completed until 2026.
Initially, the city of St. Petersburg approved funds for the repairs, only to reverse the decision later on, leaving the Rays with a temporary home at Steinbrenner Field.