Tigers vs. Rays prediction and odds for Saturday, April 1 (How to bet total)

A lot of the first series of the MLB season had a day off after Opening Day, including this one in Tampa Bay between the Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays.

However, two days ago the Rays got a 4-0 win over Detroit behind six scoreless innings from Shane McClanahan. Now, Zach Eflin will take the mound for Tampa Bay, making his first appearance with the team after seven years with the Phillies. Eflin had a 4.04 ERA in 20 appearances last season, 13 of them starts. 

On the other side, the Tigers will run out Spencer Turnbull who hasn’t taken a major league mound since 2021. In the small sample size that season, Turnbull had a 2.88 ERA through nine starts. 

Let’s get into the odds for Detroit and Tampa Bay on Saturday. 

Tigers vs. Rays odds, run line and total

Tigers vs. Rays prediction and pick

The Detroit Tigers had a historically bad offense last season and it seemed like they were shut out every other game. 2023 started the same exact way. They managed six hits and three walks, but couldn’t push a run across.

You would think that they’re better suited to hit against a right-handed pitcher today than they were against the lefty, McClanahan, but their best left-handed hitter, Austin Meadows was responsible for three of their six hits. 

I’m here to tell you that game was a blip on the radar and this season is going to be different. I can see the signs with the Tigers lineup.

Javy Baez was patient enough to draw a walk and reached base twice, Miggy had a hit to start off his final season, Riley Greene reached base twice in that one, all they need is Spencer Torkelson to find some power in the heart of their lineup and it’ll all click together.

Offense is up across the league with the running game more involved because of the bigger bases and the pitch clock, and I think the Tigers have all of the pieces to have one of the best young offenses in the MLB this season, and maybe even compete for the division.

They’ll absolutely crush Eflin on the first of April. 

April Fools! This team still can’t hit. Take the UNDER.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change