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2026 F1 driver lineup: The full grid after Red Bull promotes Isack Hadjar

2026 F1 driver lineup: The full grid after Red Bull promotes Isack Hadjar

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The 2026 Formula 1 grid is now complete.

Today, Red Bull Racing confirmed their lineups for both Red Bull and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the 2026 campaign. As many expected, Isack Hadjar earned a promotion to the senior team, where he will replace Yuki Tsunoda and drive alongside Max Verstappen.

As for Tsunoda, he is moving into a test and reserve role with Red Bull Racing. VCARB confirmed that Liam Lawson will be paired with Arvid Lindblad for next season.

So let’s take stock of the full 2026 driver lineup.

Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri

Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are signed for McLaren for the 2026 season. Norris signed a new “multi-year” deal with the team ahead of the 2024 season, which will keep him in Woking through 2027. As for Piastri, he signed a “multi-year” extension with McLaren during his 2023 rookie season, which will see 2026 as the final year of his deal.

Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix McLaren announced a “multi-year” extension for Piastri, that will keep him in Woking beyond the 2026 season.

Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari’s driver pairing is set for the 2026 campaign. Charles Leclerc put pen to paper on a new contract in January of 2024 that will keep him with Ferrari for “several” seasons. As for Lewis Hamilton, the contract he signed with Ferrari is reportedly for two years, with an option for a third. That means he will be in place for at least 2025 and 2026.

Fernando Alonso
Lance Stroll

Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are signed through the 2026 season. Alonso signed a contract extension in April of 2024 to remain with the team through at least 2026, while Stroll announced a new deal with the team last summer that will keep him with the team for “2025 and beyond.”

Haas is one of the F1 teams with a completely new driver lineup for the 2025 season. Esteban Ocon joins the team after driving for Alpine the past few seasons, while Oliver Bearman is one of the rookies joining the grid for the 2025 campaign.

Both drivers are on a deal with Haas that runs through the 2026 F1 season.

Alexander Albon
Carlos Sainz Jr.

When Hamilton decided to leave for Ferrari starting in 2025 — and Leclerc having already redone his deal with the Scuderia — it made Carlos Sainz Jr. the biggest free agent on the driver transfer market.

Speculation followed Sainz from track to track, but ultimately Sainz cast his lot with James Vowles and Williams on a multi-year deal with “options to extend” beyond the 2026 season.

That is also the last year of the deal his new teammate, Alexander Albon, signed in the spring of 2024.

Nico Hülkenberg
Gabriel Bortoleto

Lost in the news over Cadillac joining the grid for the 2026 season is the fact that the American team will not be the only “new” team on the grid. The 2025 season marks the final campaign for Sauber, ahead of Audi taking over that operation as a works team in 2026.

But ahead of the 2025 season, Audi lined up their driver pairing on long-term deals. Nico Hülkenberg was confirmed as Audi’s first F1 driver ahead of the 2024 Miami Grand Prix and is signed with the team through 2026. As is incoming rookie, and 2024 F2 Drivers’ Champion, Gabriel Bortoleto.

Valtteri Bottas
Sergio Pérez

Formula 1’s newest team will debut with a pair of drivers who are anything but new to the grid.

Earlier this season Cadillac announced that veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez will be their two drivers when next season begins.

Pierre Gasly
Franco Colapinto

As many expected, Alpine confirmed earlier this season that veteran Pierre Gasly will be back with the team, having signed a “multi-year extension” that will keep him in Enstone through 2028.

However, the second seat was a matter of debate.

Until the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Last month, Alpine confirmed that Franco Colapinto will be back for 2026. Colapinto has not scored a point yet with Alpine, but the team is betting on the future, starting with their challenger for the 2026 season. Alpine’s last major upgrade to the A525 came at the Spanish Grand Prix, and the team has since then completely turned the page to 2026.

Now their driver pairing is set as well.

George Russell
Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes began the year with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli on expiring contracts, with Russell on the final year of his current deal and the rookie Antonelli on a one-year contract. As the season lingered without any news on the contractual front — and rumors persisted regarding Team Principal Toto Wolff pursuing Max Verstappen — whether this would remain their driver lineup into 2026 remained a matter of debate.

But the team put that to rest ahead of the United States Grand Prix, signing the two for next season.

Max Verstappen
Isack Hadjar

Red Bull confirmed today the news many expected, as Hadjar has earned a promotion to the senior team where he will drive alongside Verstappen.

Tsunoda is out of a seat, and will move into a test and reserve driver role with Red Bull Racing, backstopping both Red Bull and VCARB.

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team

Liam Lawson
Arvid Lindblad

VCARB also confirmed these two seats on Tuesday. Lindblad has earned a promotion to F1 — he is currently sixth in the F2 standings ahead of that season finale — and he will be paired with Lawson, who earns another year at VCARB.

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Deadspin | Sharks continue playoff push with visit from Blackhawks Apr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday. The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday. “It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.” San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season. Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games. “I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said. As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience. “No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.” The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid. “I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.” After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward. Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive. “I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.” Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner. “And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #BlackhawksApr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday.

“It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.”

San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season.

Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games.

“I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said.

As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience.

“No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.”


The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid.

“I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.”

After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward.

Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive.

“I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.”

Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner.

“And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #Blackhawks">Deadspin | Sharks continue playoff push with visit from Blackhawks Apr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday. The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday. “It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.” San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season. Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games. “I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said. As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience. “No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.” The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid. “I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.” After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward. Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive. “I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.” Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner. “And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #Blackhawks

The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.

In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.

Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.

In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.

Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.

India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish.

Results (quarterfinals)

Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0.

Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0.

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals">Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Meenakshi, Jaismine reach semifinals The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish. Results (quarterfinals) Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0. Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0. Published on Apr 05, 2026 #Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals

Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.” The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season. All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago. However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg. “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.” Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience. “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it. “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.” The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout. In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win. In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill. Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic. “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies. There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity. “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.” Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #CubsMar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”

The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.

All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.

However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.

“I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”

Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.

“It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.

“It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”

The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.


Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.

In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.

In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.

“He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.

There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.

“Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”

Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs">Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.” The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season. All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago. However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg. “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.” Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience. “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it. “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.” The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout. In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win. In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill. Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic. “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies. There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity. “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.” Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs

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