The Tampa Bay Rays and Colorado Rockies are set to kick off their 2025 MLB seasons as they face off on Friday, March 28th. Due to damage to the roof of Tropicana Field, the Rays will be playing their home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Spring Training home of the Yankees, for this season. These two teams are the only ones not playing on Thursday. Tampa Bay ended the 2024 season with a record of 80-82, with a home record of 42-39. The Rockies, on the other hand, had the worst record in the National League in 2024 at 61-101, with a road record of 24-57. Kyle Freeland is expected to start for Colorado, while Ryan Pepiot is projected to start for the Rays.
The game at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. The Rays are the favorites at -218 on the money line, while the Rockies are the underdogs at +180 according to the latest odds from SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total runs scored is set at 8. Before making any picks, be sure to check out the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s computer simulation model.
The SportsLine Projection Model has a track record of success, with a 32-17 record on top-rated run-line picks dating back to 2023. The model has now made its picks for Rockies vs. Rays, so be sure to visit SportsLine to see the predictions. Here are some of the MLB odds and betting lines for the game:
- Rays vs. Rockies money line: Tampa Bay -218, Colorado +180 at Caesars Sportsbook
- Rays vs. Rockies over/under: 8 runs
- Rays vs. Rockies run line: Rays -1.5 (-102)
- Rays vs. Rockies picks: See picks at SportsLine
- Rays vs. Rockies streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Rockies can cover
Colorado is sending veteran left-hander Kyle Freeland to the mound. Despite some consistency issues in recent seasons, Freeland is one of the most successful pitchers in Rockies’ history. The team also boasts a talented group of young players, including rising star shortstop Ezequiel Tovar. Tovar had a strong season in 2024, winning a Gold Glove and hitting .269 with 26 home runs and 78 RBI.
Why the Rays can cover
The Rays are a competitive team in the tough AL East division. Ryan Pepiot is expected to start for Tampa Bay, coming off a solid first full season in the Majors. The team is led by veteran first baseman Yandy Diaz and speedy shortstop Jose Caballero, who finished with 44 stolen bases in 2024.
How to make Rockies vs. Rays picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning towards the Over on the run total and has identified value in one side of the money line. Visit SportsLine for more MLB picks and analysis.
Want to know who will win Rockies vs. Rays and where the value lies on the moneyline? Head to SportsLine now to find out, with insights from a model that has a strong track record in MLB picks.
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