The 2025 MLB Spring Training season has officially begun on Florida’s Suncoast, and the Tampa Bay Rays wasted no time making their presence felt. In a highly anticipated matchup, the Rays defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-2 in the Braves’ opening game of the Grapefruit League season. Despite the loss, Atlanta Braves players are already looking forward to the challenge of building team chemistry for the upcoming year.
Braves pitcher Dylan Dodd expressed his excitement for the season, saying, “I’m just excited to get back out there. The offseason goes by quickly, but everyone’s ready to dive back in and get to work.” While the Braves aim to improve their roster, the team’s spirits are high as they focus on refining their collective effort.
For local fans, Spring Training is a thrilling time, and Braves player Eli White emphasized how special it is for them: “Spring Training is exciting. It’s great for the fans—they get to experience games from different teams in a close setting. The energy in the stands is something they’ve missed after the offseason.” The venue provides fans with a chance to see Major League teams up close, adding to the buzz around the games.
Braves manager Brian Snitker also weighed in on the matchup with the Rays, saying, “They’re always a good team, and I enjoy these games because they’re close, so you get home early. The Rays do a great job of finding and developing talent.”
Looking ahead, the Braves will face the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, February 24, at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. The game’s start time has been moved to 4:05 p.m. As Spring Training heats up, fans can expect more action and excitement as teams continue to fine-tune their rosters for the season ahead