Detroit Tigers vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 3/30/2023

by Chuck Sommers

Wednesday, Mar 29, 2023
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
Where to watch: Bally Sports Sun, Bally Sports Detroit

Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks


DraftKings: Rays -230, Tigers +195
BetMGM: Rays -230, Tigers +195
Caesars: Rays -230, Tigers +195

Season record
Tigers: 66-96
Rays: 86-76 (lost wild card series vs. Guardians)

Tigers - Rays preview and analysis


The Detroit Tigers will face off against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 30, 2023, in what promises to be an exciting game between two competitive American League teams. Both teams are looking to make a statement early in the season and secure their first win of the year.

The Detroit Tigers, led by manager A.J. Hinch, are coming off a rebuilding season and looking to take a step forward in the competitive AL Central division. They have added some key players to their roster in the offseason, including outfielder Michael Conforto and starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, who will look to make an impact in their first game as Tigers.

On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Rays are looking to build on their impressive 2022 season, where they reached the playoffs but ultimately fell short to the Cleveland Guardians. The Rays have a talented roster, including the likes of outfielder Randy Arozarena and ace pitcher Shane McClanahan.

Both teams have a lot to prove in this matchup, and the game promises to be a close one. The pitching matchup will be particularly interesting, with the Tigers likely to start Rodriguez, who had a strong season with the Boston Red Sox in 2022, and the Rays countering with Glasnow, who has been one of the best pitchers in the league in recent years.

The Tigers will be hoping for a strong performance from their offense, led by Conforto and veteran first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who will be looking to turn back the clock and show that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. The Rays, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their strong defensive play and get their offense going early.

In terms of the matchup between the two teams, both sides have their strengths and weaknesses. The Tigers will be looking to exploit the Rays' bullpen, which was their weak point last year, while the Rays will be looking to take advantage of the Tigers' inexperienced starting rotation.

Ultimately, this game could come down to the wire, with both teams likely to put up a strong fight. It will be interesting to see how the game plays out, and whether the Tigers can make a statement early in the season or whether the Rays will continue their strong play from last year.

Overall, this matchup promises to be an exciting one between two talented teams. It will be interesting to see how both sides approach the game and which team comes out on top in what should be an entertaining contest for fans of both teams.

Prediction

The Tigers have a lot to play for in Cabrera's final season, and there's some youth to get hyped about. But the Rays are due for a prove-it season. It begins now. Rays 6, Tigers 3

Projected lineup

Tigers:
Nick Maton (L) 3B
Riley Greene (L) CF
Javier Baez (R) SS
Austin Meadows (L) LF
Spencer Torkelson (R) 1B
Miguel Cabrera (R) DH
Akil Baddoo (L) RF
Eric Haase (R) C
Jonathan Schoop (R) 2B
SP - Eduardo Rodriguez

Rays:
Brandon Lowe (L) 2B
Harold Ramirez (R) LF
Francisco Mejia (S) C
Randy Arozarena (R) DH
Luke Raley (L) RF
Taylor Walls (S) 3B
Jonathan Aranda (L) 1B
Tristan Gray (L) SS
Vidal Brujan (S) CF
SP - Shane McClanahan

Don't miss our champion handicappers' free picks and expert MLB picks today. And if you enjoyed this preview, be sure to drop by every day for our daily MLB projections and predictions.

Chuck Sommers

About the Author:

Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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