- Get betting predictions and analysis for Rockies vs. Rays on Opening Day.
- First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET on Friday at George M. Steinbrenner.
- I predict potential value in the home run market for this Rockies-Rays opener.
The Tampa Bay Rays begin the 2025 season in their temporary ballpark when they host the Colorado Rockies at 4:10 p.m. ET on Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
These will be the last two teams to play their opener following MLB’s 14-game slate on Opening Day on Thursday. But it could be well worth the wait to see how the Rays look playing in the spring training home of the New York Yankees.
Here’s a look at the updated MLB betting lines and my Rockies vs. Rays prediction for Opening Day.
Rockies vs. Rays Odds: Thursday, March 27
- Rockies moneyline: +165
- Rays moneyline: -200
Rockies vs. Rays Opening Day Starting Pitchers
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot will get the start on Opening Day, stepping in for an injured Shane McClanahan. Pepiot posted a 3.60 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 130 innings over 26 starts last year.
Left-hander Kyle Freeland earned his second straight opening nod for the Rockies.
- Rockies starting pitcher: Ryan Pepiot
- Rays starting pitcher: Shane McClanahan
Rockies vs. Rays Prediction for Opening Day
According to the updated MLB odds, I plan to target the home run props market for my Rockies vs. Rays prediction on Opening Day. There isn’t any value in backing Tampa Bay as a -200 favorite.
However, home run props at George M. Steinbrenner Field could provide an early edge this year. The ballpark has the same dimensions as Yankee Stadium, meaning left-handed hitters have a better chance of sending a ball over the fence.
Tampa Bay’s left-handed hitters to watch in 2025:
- Brandon Lowe
- Josh Lowe
- Jonathan Aranda
That said, a Colorado lefty pitcher could mitigate some of the home run potential.
As such, it’s worth monitoring the home run odds for Junior Caminero, who is poised to be the next star player for the Rays.
Caminero has slugged three homers in 11 games this spring. OOPSY, a projection system at FanGraphs, has Caminero finishing with the 25th-most home runs in the majors this year.
It’s worth checking the home run props market for all of Tampa Bay’s home games this season, starting with the opener.
Rockies vs. Rays Prediction: TBD
How to Watch Rockies vs. Rays on Opening Day
- Date: Friday, March 28
- Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
- Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field
- TV info: COLR (MLB TV)
Rockies 2025 Schedule
Rays 2025 Schedule
Related Articles
MLB Odds at BetMGM
The BetMGM online sportsbook is your ticket for baseball odds throughout year. Whether you’re looking for college baseball odds, MLB odds, or anything else there are baseball betting opportunities for everyone.
Sign in to your account today — or, if you don’t have an account, sign up today with a sportsbook welcome bonus — to start betting. And don’t forget to check updated sportsbook bonuses and promos each day of the year.
