Detroit Tigers vs Tampa Bay Rays: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 4/1/2023

Time: 4:10 p.m. ET

Venue: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL

Where to watch: BSDET, BSSUN

DraftKings: Check back later for odds

BetMGM: Check back later for odds

Caesars: Check back later for odds

Tigers: 0-1

Rays: 1-0

The Detroit Tigers will take on the Tampa Bay Rays on April 1st, 2023 in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two American League teams. Both teams will be looking to start the season off on the right foot and set the tone for the rest of the year.

The Rays took the first matchup on Opening Day, 4-0, behind a strong outing from ace Shane McClanahan and a 2-for-4 day from Wander Franco that included a home run. McClanahan went 6 innings and struck out six, while Franco is hoping to have a strong year after an up-and-down sophomore season.

“A very Rays-like win,” manager Kevin Cash said. “We'll sign up for those types of wins a lot.”

“For the first time in quite a bit, I felt butterflies,” McClanahan said. “It was really cool. Opening Day, the fans were there, and it was awesome. That’s the best way I can describe it.”

The tough rebuild for the Tigers continues into this year after just six hits and leaving eight runners on base. Austin Meadows did account for three of those hits, including a double, but to no avail.

Both teams have some talented players who could make a big impact in this game, so let's take a closer look at what fans can expect.

One player to watch for the Tigers is outfielder Akil Baddoo. Baddoo burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2021, hitting .267 with 11 home runs and 15 stolen bases in just 108 games. If Baddoo can continue his success in the upcoming season and have a big game in this matchup, he could be a key factor in the Tigers' success.

Another player to watch for the Tigers is starting pitcher Casey Mize. Mize is a highly touted prospect who made his Major League debut in 2020. He struggled at times in 2021, finishing with a 4.30 ERA, but the Tigers will be looking for him to take the next step in his development in the upcoming season. If Mize can have a solid outing in this matchup, he could give the Tigers the boost they need to come out on top.

On the Rays' side, one player to watch is outfielder Randy Arozarena. Arozarena burst onto the scene during the 2020 playoffs, setting a record for most home runs in a single postseason with 10. He had a solid 2022 season, finishing with a .272 batting average, 26 home runs, and 82 RBI. He will be looking to build upon that success in the upcoming season and help lead the Rays to victory in this game.

Another player to watch for the Rays is starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow. Glasnow had a strong 2022 season, finishing with a 3.63 ERA and 218 strikeouts in 182.2 innings pitched. He will be looking to continue his success in the upcoming season and help lead the Rays to victory in this game.

When it comes to pitching, both teams have some talented arms that could make a big impact in this game. The Tigers have a solid bullpen led by closer Michael Fulmer, who had a strong 2022 season. The Rays, meanwhile, have a strong starting rotation led by Glasnow and Shane McClanahan, who also had a solid 2022 season.

Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with something to prove. Both teams have some key players who could make a big impact on the outcome of the game, and it will be interesting to see how the two teams match up against each other.

As always, there are sure to be surprises and unexpected twists and turns in the game, and it will be up to both teams to stay focused and make the most of their opportunities on the field. Whether you're a Tigers fan or a Rays fan, this is a game you won't want to miss.

Prediction

I can't take the Tigers seriously until they find a way to actually be competitive at both sides of the plate. Rays 6, Tigers 2

Check back later for trends.

Tigers:
Matt Vierling (R) RF
Javier Baez (R) SS
Riley Greene (L) CF
Eric Haase (R) C
Spencer Torkelson (R) 1B
Austin Meadows (L) LF
Miguel Cabrera (R) DH
Jonathan Schoop (R) 2B
Ryan Kreidler (R) 3B

Rays:
Yandy Diaz (R) 1B
Wander Franco (S) SS
Isaac Paredes (R) 3B
Randy Arozarena (R) LF
Harold Ramirez (R) DH
Manuel Margot (R) RF
Brandon Lowe (L) 2B
Christian Bethancourt (R) C
Jose Siri (R) CF