ORLANDO, Fla. — Unusual Spring Trainings have become commonplace for the Tampa Bay Rays over the past few years.

In 2020, Spring Training was cut short by the onset of COVID-19, with the next two still seeing the effects of certain restrictions in place due to the pandemic.

But this year, an expected return to normal, that was until Charlotte County was dealt a blow by Hurricane Ian.

As the county still recovers, so is the Rays' normal Spring Training venue, Charlotte Sports Park, which was not refurbished in time for the Rays to take practice.

Tuesday, management as well as select pitchers and catchers, reported to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. It will serve as the home for the team's Spring Training through the end of February.

One home game versus the New York Yankees will even be played there on Feb. 28, before the team moves to Tropicana Field for the rest of camp.

"As thankful we are to Disney and the Wide World of Sports we also have not forgotten why we're here," said Rays President Erik Neander during an introductory press conference. "(We are) continuing to think about Charlotte County and the surrounding areas that were affected by Hurricane Ian."

Neander was accompanied by Rays manager Kevin Cash and general manager Peter Bendix. The press conference was met with a bit of Disney flair as team officials were greeted by a park representative and Mickey Mouse.

Despite training camp at the Disney Complex being a new venture, the organization has played six games there before. The team is 6-0 in those Spring Training matchups.

"We're undefeated here, hopefully that continues," said Neander.

Rays manager Kevin Cash spoke on the advantages a Spring Training that moves back to St. Peterburg could come with, "When you're competing and (the games) don't mean anything it's tough to keep that energy going," said Cash. "Having a transition after two weeks being here and then the addition of being in our beds for an extra month I think the players are going to welcome it."

Cash also mentioned he is glad younger players will have the opportunity to get their bearings playing at Tropicana Field.

Similar faces, similar goal

The Rays are looking for their fifth straight postseason appearance and after a quiet offseason, they head into camp with mostly the same core roster as 2022.

Absent are some notable faces including outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays during free agency as well as infielder Ji-Man Choi (traded to Pittsburgh) and pitcher Ryan Yarbrough (designated for assignment).

The biggest monetary moves by the team included contract extensions for infielder Yandy Diaz, starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs and reliever Pete Fairbanks. The Rays also signed starting pitcher Zach Eflin to a three-year $40 million deal.

One thing the Rays did not get done was add a significant new bat to the offense, something the team said they were looking for going into the offseason. Despite that, the team says they're confident in the players they've retained.

"I think we have the talent one through nine to be a really difficult lineup to face, said Rays GM Peter Bendix. "We have a lot of different styles of hitter, we have a lot of contact (hitters), a lot of power and we have a lot of team speed."

Something that also has not changed for the Rays, is their depth at pitching. The big focus, though, staying healthy. 

"I'm very excited," said starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow. "If we can all be healthy and get off to a roll I think we're going to have a phenomenal season."

Glasnow returned late last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Another ace starter and USF alumn, Shane McClanahan, hopes to continue his early career success.

McClanahan debuted during the 2020 postseason, which remains the only time the Rays have made it past the divisional series in their four-year stretch of playoff runs. The team is still also searching for a World Series championship after losing in both 2008 and 2020.

McClanahan played his biggest role yet in 2022, including being named to and starting the MLB All-Star Game for the American League.

"It's like we didn't skip a beat, everyone is excited to see each other," said McClanahan. "We're all happy to be here, you know we got that taste last year and the year before, I think we want more."

All of the pitchers and catchers are expected to be at the complex Wednesday for the first official day of workouts.