For the second consecutive season, James Shields will take the mound for the Rays in the season opener. Marc Lancaster informs us the rest of the rotation will go as followed: Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine with a fifth member to be named later. Shields joins Kazmir and Wilson Alvarez as the only two Rays starting pitchers to start two openers.
| Year | Opening Day Starter |
| 1998 | Wilson Alvarez |
| 1999 | Wilson Alvarez |
| 2000 | Steve Trachsel |
| 2001 | Albie Lopez |
| 2002 | Tanyon Sturtze |
| 2003 | Joe Kennedy |
| 2004 | Victor Zambrano |
| 2005 | Dewon Brazelton |
| 2006 | Scott Kazmir |
| 2007 | Scott Kazmir |
| 2008 | James Shields |
| 2009 | James Shields |
Congrats to Mr. Shields.
Also from Lancaster, the Rays have announced the spring schedule for their starting pitchers at least for the first turn through.
Saturday vs. Red Sox: Shields (backed up by Jason Hammel)
Sunday at Red Sox: Wade Davis
Monday vs. Twins: Kazmir (backed up by Jeff Niemann)
Tuesday vs. Blue Jays: Garza (backed up by Sonnanstine and David Price)
Interesting to note that Sonnanstine and Price will both make their debuts in "relief" roles.