Why is the Red Sox-Rays Game Delayed Today? When Will it Start?

Red Sox-Rays Weather Delay: Latest Updates On Weather And Expected Start Time

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 14: A general view of the rain tarp on the field at Fenway Park before a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox on May 14, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)

Here’s the hourly forecast in Boston, per Weather.com:

• 3:45 p.m. EDT: Rain
• 4:00 p.m. EDT: 100% Thunderstorms
• 5:00 p.m. EDT: 39% Showers
• 6:00 p.m. EDT: Cloudy

Via meteorologist Kevin Roth at 3:39 p.m. EDT: “As expected a Late Start is now official in BOS. It’s not “clear” behind this line… but I think it’s clear enough? I expect they manage to play ball. Maybe 4:45’ish.”

Update: Game expected to resume at 5:10 p.m. EDT

Via MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo on X: “Tarp is coming off. Red Sox say 5:10 pm start.”

We will update this post with the latest updates on the delay.

Red Sox-Rays Lineups, Pitching Matchups

Here are today’s lineups:

Red Sox

• 1) Anthony Seigler, 2B
• 2) Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
• 3) Wilyer Abreu, RF
• 4) Willson Contreras, 1B
• 5) Romy Gonzalez, DH
• 6) Caleb Durbin, 3B
• 7) Andruw Monasterio, SS
• 8) Jahmai Jones, LF
• 9) Carlos Narvaez, C

Rays

• 1) Yandy Diaz, DH
• 2) Jonny DeLuca, CF
• 3) Junior Caminero, 3B
• 4) Ryan Vilade, 1B
• 5) Chandler Simpson, LF
• 6) Ben Williamson, SS
• 7) Victor Mesa Jr., RF
• 8) Nick Fortes, C
• 9) Richie Palacios, 2B

Patrick Sandoval is slated to start on the mound for Boston. The 29-year-old left-hander has thrown just 4 1/2 innings in one appearance this year.

GettyFORT MYERS, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Patrick Sandoval #43 of the Boston Red Sox poses for a portrait during photo day at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 18, 2025 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Ian Seymour is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay. The 27-year-old left-hander is 6-2 with a 4.59 ERA. 1.16 WHIP and 75 strikeouts over 64 2/3 innings this year.

GettyST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – JULY 12: Ian Seymour #61 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Tropicana Field on July 12, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Boston Red Sox Right Now

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 15: Interim manager Chad Tracy #17 of the Boston Red Sox looks on prior to the first pitch against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Red Sox are the hottest team in baseball. After a rough start to the season, Boston has won 11 straight games. The club is tied with the Minnesota Twins for the final American League Wild Card spot with a 48-48 record. The Red Sox have a +39 run differential, which is the third-best in the American League.

Tampa Bay Rays Right Now

GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 14: Manager Kevin Cash #16 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on April 14, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Rays have the best record in the American League at 56-40. They hold a 2 1/2 game lead over the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East. Tampa Bay is 4-6 in its last 10 games and currently has a +20 run differential.