Tigers vs Rays lineups and starting pitchers: MLB Opening Day | Arozarena vs Cabrera

The 2023 season get under way as the MLB Opening Day sees the Tampa Bay Rays host the Detroit Tigers in Tropicana Field on Thursday, March 30. First pitch is at 3:10 p.m. ET.

When does Detroit Tigers vs Tampa Bay Rays start?

The game between the Detroit Tigers and the Tampa Bay Rays starts on March 30, 2023 at

How to watch Detroit Tigers vs Tampa Bay Rays

Detroit Tigers vs Tampa Bay Rays preview

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are still reeling after two seasons of dismal performances under AJ Hinch. In both seasons they have had a terrible time getting started and this season the curve is even steeper, with three of their first four series on the road.

Yet to find a clear leadoff hitter, the Tigers will try and pit type against type in the righty-lefty matchups. Miguel Cabrera is hitting in the DH spot in what could be the last season of his surely Hall-of-Fame career. Traditionally a strong bullpen, Detroit is still trying to sort theirs out, with no true closer identified yet.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are always malleable, ready to swap players when needed, so it comes as something of a surprise that they are already in Opening Day shape. Like his counterpart in Detroit, Kevin Cash is one who will try and capitalize on matchups, switching order, personnel, and positions to optimize his chances.

With a question mark hanging over Wander Franco, the Rays have players returning off of superstar runs in the WBC in Isaac Paredes and Randy Arozarena. Add in Christian Bethancourt and Jose Siri and Tampa are pretty much fighting fit.

Detroit Tigers vs Tampa Bay Rays prediction

Even with the disarray in Detroit taken out of the equation, you would have to give the edge to this Tampa Bay team. They are solid from top to bottom and if they can stay healthy through the long dog days of summer, there could be a postseason reward at the end of the tunnel for them.

Our prediction: Detroit Tigers 1-4 Tampa Bay Rays

Who are the starting pitchers for Opening Day?

Detroit Tigers: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez

Eduardo Rodriguez will get the nod from Detroit for the second season on Opening Day. He finished the 2022 season with a 4.05 ERA in a truncated Tigers outing, notching up 72 strikeouts in only 91.0 innings pitched. Prior to being traded, he was a solid arm in Boston, although his ERA always hovered around the 4.00 mark.

Tampa Bay Rays: LHP Shane McClanahan

Shane McClanahan is getting tapped by Tampa for the second consecutive season as well after starting 2022 like a blazing comet, which earned him the start for the All-Star game as well. He wound up finishing the season with a 2.54 ERA and 194 strikeouts on 166.1 innings pitched and is expected to by a Cy Young contender this season.

What are likely lineups for Opening Day

Detroit Tigers

Tampa Bay Rays