Colorado Rockies vs
Tampa Bay RaysPredictions & Preview

Rockies vs Rays: Opening Day matchup analysis and prediction

In our Rockies vs Rays prediction, we analyze two teams looking to surpass modest expectations in their first game of the season. Due to damage from Hurricane Milton, the Rays will play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The starting pitchers will be Kyle Freeland for the Rockies and Ryan Pepiot for the Rays, both with ERAs of 0. Tampa Bay is the favorite to win, opening at -196 and currently at -200.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Rockies +175 | Rays -200
• Spread: Rockies +1.5 (-130) | Rays -1.5 (+110)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tampa Bay will win straight-up is 67%.

Colorado vs Tampa Bay Stats

Colorado Rockies

In the 2024 season, the Colorado Rockies faced significant challenges, finishing with a 61-101 record and coming in last place in the NL West. Their pitching staff struggled, posting a league-worst 5.47 ERA. The team has not made a postseason appearance since 2018, and their offseason was quiet, leaving them projected to be among the league's bottom teams, with an over/under win total of 58.5. However, there were bright spots, with shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and outfielder Brenton Doyle both having strong offensive performances. Kyle Freeland will make his fourth Opening Day start in 2025, despite a difficult 2024 season. The current power ranking places the Rockies at 29, with strong offensive numbers at home but struggles on the road. They rank 19th in offense, scoring an average of 4.21 runs per game, and 30th in defense, allowing an average of 5.73 runs against them per game, with a 0-0 record for the season.

Tampa Bay Rays Analysis

The Tampa Bay Rays finished the 2024 season with an 80-82 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018 and ending their streak of six consecutive winning seasons. Despite struggles with consistency, the team showed flashes of their competitive edge. They were sellers last season, trading away several veterans. Heading into the 2025 season, DraftKings has set the Rays' over/under win total at 81.5. Returning players include Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and newly signed Ha-Seong Kim. Ryan Pepiot is slated to be the Opening Day starter, coming off a solid 2024 season. The Rays have a power ranking of 14 and are ranked 29th for offense, 8th for defense, and have a 0-0 record. They recently faced Colorado, losing two out of three matchups.

Veteran pitcher Kyle Freeland prepared for challenging Opening Day matchup

Experienced pitcher Kyle Freeland has demonstrated the ability to deliver both outstanding performances and struggle on the mound throughout his career. It is assured that Opening Day will not faze Freeland, as he is fully equipped to pitch at least six innings and provide a quality outing. The extent of the Tampa Bay Rays' advantage on their home field this season remains uncertain, however, their lineup is considered lacking in power. While betting on the Rockies to win an away game may be a gamble, the -195 odds for the Rays are not favorable. Anticipated is a competitive match where the Rockies are expected to at least keep the game within one run.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]