TAMPA — Repairs to Tropicana Field are “moving along,” and Major League Baseball officials “remain optimistic” work will be completed in time for the Rays to return for the 2026 season, commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday.

But Manfred did acknowledge two caveats.

One is exactly when the stadium will be ready to host a game, as Manfred said they are expecting “either for opening day or very shortly thereafter.”

The league can address that issue by scheduling the Rays to open the season on the road, perhaps on an extended trip.

The other point Manfred made is one all Tampa Bay area residents have to consider regarding summer plans.

“Obviously, the big contingency is what happens with hurricane season, right?” Manfred said at the quarterly owners meeting in New York. “There’s not muc

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