Colorado (0-0) at Tampa Bay (0-0)
- When: Mar 28 2025, 4:10 PM
- Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
- Where to watch: FDSSUN
MLB Betting Preview: Rockies vs Rays – Moneyline, Total & Predictions
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -225 | Total: 7.5 Runs
The Tampa Bay Rays open their 28th MLB season with a fresh setting and renewed focus as they host the Colorado Rockies on Opening Day. Tampa enters as the heavy -225 moneyline favorite, with the total set at 7.5 runs. While recent years have brought both postseason appearances and major setbacks—including a stadium-disrupting hurricane and an end to a five-year playoff streak—the Rays are looking to bounce back and contend once again in a stacked AL East.
Tampa Bay Rays Outlook:
The Rays begin 2025 in unfamiliar territory—literally. With Tropicana Field under repair, Tampa Bay will play its home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field, an outdoor venue normally used for Yankees spring training. While the conditions may be different, the Rays are hoping their pitching core remains the same: dominant.
Ryan Pepiot, who posted a 3.60 ERA across 26 starts last year, gets the Opening Day nod. In three career appearances against the Rockies (two starts), Pepiot has been lights out, going 2-0 with a 1.06 ERA and a 26-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 17 innings. With Shane McClanahan sidelined, Pepiot is being asked to lead the rotation—and his track record against Colorado suggests he’s up to the task.
Expect a tight, pitcher-friendly outing from Pepiot, who’s a solid play in the strikeouts market. The Rays’ offense, while lacking firepower compared to past years, should be able to scratch out enough runs against a Rockies staff that has struggled for years.
Score Prediction: Rays 5, Rockies 2
Prop Picks (Tampa Bay):
Ryan Pepiot Over 6.5 strikeouts
Yandy Díaz to record 2+ total bases
Colorado Rockies Outlook:
The Rockies enter the 2025 season looking for growth—not playoff contention. They’ve endured back-to-back 100-loss seasons and begin the year with injury woes yet again, including second baseman Thairo Estrada (wrist) and starter Austin Gomber (shoulder). Utility man Kyle Farmer will fill in for Estrada.
Colorado’s Opening Day starter Kyle Freeland carries a 5.24 ERA from last season and a 3.86 ERA in one career start against Tampa Bay. With the Rays’ offense likely to test Freeland early, Colorado will need a sharp outing and timely run production from rising stars like Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle.
Unfortunately, the numbers don’t favor them. They’ve struggled on the road, their rotation lacks depth, and their bullpen is vulnerable. This young team may develop into something more over time, but Opening Day against a playoff-minded Rays team likely ends in another tough outing.
Prop Picks (Colorado):
Ezequiel Tovar to hit a home run (+ odds value pick)
Kyle Freeland Over 3.5 strikeouts (low total, but playable)
Betting Summary:
Spread Lean: Rays -1.5 (+160)
Moneyline: Rays -225 (parlay piece potential)
Total: Under 7.5 (-105) (with Pepiot’s dominance, low-scoring game is likely)
The Rays have all the pieces to start strong and take care of a Rockies team in transition. Expect a solid pitching performance and a confident win at their temporary home.
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
