Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Why Ryan Vilade is a Tampa Bay Rays’ MUST-WATCH Player as Opening Day NEARS
Description
Tampa Bay Rays open the season with Ryan Vilade earning a spot as a versatile Swiss Army knife—can his right-handed bat and defensive flexibility ignite the lineup in cold-weather games?
Amid tough AL East competition, the Rays look to capitalize early against under-.500 teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox, hoping a hot start in frigid conditions sets the tone for playoff ambitions.
Ulises Sambrano breaks down Vilade’s journey, Kevin Cash’s strategic deployment of right-handed hitters, and the importance of the Rays’ revamped Tropicana Field roof. From infielders testing new turf to outfielders adjusting to improved lighting, the team prepares to maximize home-field comfort.
Key discussion points include the critical value of April wins, challenges facing the Rays as they navigate a difficult early road schedule, and roster moves that may shape the 2026 MLB landscape. Will the Rays stay above .500 and stay relevant by June?
00:00 — Ryan Vilade Makes Roster
10:10 — Rays’ Cold Start & Schedule
18:50 — Tropicana Roof Upgrades
Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_
Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts...
Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/...
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonrays.supercast.com
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
PlayStation
This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
#rays #tampabayrays #tampabay #baseball #tampa #florida #beisbol
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.