ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Once Blake Snell made his last Spring Training outing in a Minor League game last week, his focus quickly shifted to preparing for the Astros lineup he's set to face Thursday.

Snell, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, knows he'll have some pregame jitters as he makes his first Opening Day start, but he said he's just looking forward to getting back on the mound again, regardless of what day it is.

"First game of the season I'm always pumped," Snell said. "Nervous, but more just ready. It's been a long time to think about it. I want to get it going, and then that's when it really hits that the season is starting and we're getting back into the stride of things."

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The first test for Snell will be going up against three-time AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, who will be making his 11th Opening Day start. Since the Cy Young was introduced in 1956, only twice have the reigning Cy Young Award winner and the runner-up for the award faced each other on Opening Day. Remarkably, National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom and runner-up Max Scherzer are also scheduled to face each other on Opening Day.

"Verlander-Snell, that might be the most highlighted pitching matchup on Opening Day," said Rays manager Kevin Cash. "Two really, really talented pitchers. One guy who kind of lit the world on fire last year in Blake and Justin Verlander, who's done it for a decade and a half now, so it'll be fun to watch."

Snell has gotten Opening Day nods throughout the Minor Leagues, so he believes that will help him keep his emotions in check Thursday. He'll have some extra family and friends in attendance for the game. Snell did, however, admit that he might be a little more focused because of the matchup against Verlander and a tough Astros lineup that features George Springer, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman.

"I think with Verlander and the Astros being the opposing team, I'll be more locked in than I'm used to on Opening Day just because of the challenge that's ahead of me, and I can't wait for it," Snell said. "I know once I get on the mound and after that first pitch, that's when I usually settle in and get going."

The four-game series between the Rays and Astros will feature some good pitching matchups. Charlie Morton, who helped the Astros win a World Series in 2017, will get the start for the Rays in Game 2 of the series, against two-time All-Star Gerrit Cole. In Game 3, Tyler Glasnow gets the nod for the Rays, while Colin McHugh is scheduled to pitch for the Astros.

But before those matchups, all eyes will be on Snell and Verlander on Opening Day.

"It's going to be a challenge. It's going to be a battle," Snell said. "I can't wait for it. I know he's going to have his A-game, so you can expect the same. It's going to be fun going against him. He's one of the game's best so I can't wait."

Rondon traded for cash considerations

The Rays announced Wednesday that they have traded Minor League infielder Adrian Rondon to the Angels for cash considerations. Rondon was one of the top international prospects in 2014, and the Rays signed him for $2.95 million out of the Dominican Republic. The 20-year old was expected to be a high impact prospect, but he has struggled in his career in the Minor Leagues. In four seasons at the Minor League level, Rondon has a .206/.271/.287 slash line.