PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Pitchers and catchers reported to camp Wednesday morning for the Tampa Bay Rays.

The players, along with soon to be in attendance position players, will have a busy few weeks ahead.

What You Need To Know

Pitcher and catchers reported to camp Wednesday morning for the Tampa Bay Rays

Full spring training workouts begin on Feb. 17 and the first game is Feb. 21 vs. Atlanta in Port Charlotte
SPRING TRAINING: Grapefruit League

Pitchers and catchers will go through physicals Wednesday, take team pictures and then get ready for the first workout of spring training on Thursday.

Also, President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander and manager Kevin Cash are scheduled to give their first remarks of the new season to the media on Thursday.  

This has been an offseason of moves for the Rays as there have been lots of changes to the roster, mostly through trades.

Tampa Bay made three separate three-team trades, the moves focusing on adding versatility and future value while transitioning from several established players.

The Rays traded away second baseman Brandon Lowe, starting pitcher Shane Baz, outfielder Josh Lowe, and left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery. These players, along with minor leaguer Jake Mangum, were moved to acquire multiple prospects and other assets, including Cincinnati’s Gavin Lux and Houston’s Jacob Melton. 

Speaking to MLB Network recently, Neander said he didn’t really anticipate the team making that many moves.

“Just having conversations with trusted relationships across the league,” Neander said of talks with other teams. “And I think we learned there are different ways to help out a couple, or three. Clubs a few times.” 

Full workouts begin on Feb. 17, and the first game is Feb. 21 against Atlanta in Port Charlotte.

Meanwhile, the Rays are also hosting their annual Fan Fest Block Party on Saturday, which will take place next to Tropicana Field.

There will be a community yard sale benefiting the official charity of the Rays.

There will also be opportunities for fans to interact with some of their favorite players and, of course, there will lots of entertainment as all the fun will begin at 1 p.m.

Free parking will be available in lots 1, 2, 6, and 7 of the Trop.