The stage is set for an exciting MLB Opening Day as the Detroit Tigers face off against the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, March 27, 2025. This matchup marks the earliest start to a season for the Tigers, who are looking to build on their surprising postseason appearance last year.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Eastern Time, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN. For those unable to watch on cable, various streaming options are available, including FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and SlingTV, offering free trials and promotional deals.
The Tigers are sending their ace, Tarik Skubal, to the mound. The 2024 Cy Young Award winner had a stellar season last year, boasting an 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and leading the league in strikeouts. Skubal's performance will be crucial as the Tigers aim to hand the Dodgers their first loss of the season after they swept the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series.
On the other side, the Dodgers will counter with lefty Blake Snell, who is making his debut for Los Angeles after signing a lucrative five-year, $182 million contract in the offseason. Snell, a former Cy Young winner himself, finished the previous season with a 5-3 record and a 3.12 ERA over 104 innings. The matchup between these two talented pitchers is generating considerable buzz, as it represents the only Opening Day contest featuring two Cy Young Award winners this season.
Both teams have been active in the offseason, with the Tigers bolstering their lineup by adding veteran second baseman Gleyber Torres, while the Dodgers continue to showcase their offensive power with stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Ohtani, who has already made waves in the Tokyo Series with a home run and a .375 batting average, is expected to be a key player to watch.
The Tigers, coming off their first postseason appearance in a decade, are looking to establish themselves as contenders in the American League. Despite injuries to key players Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling, who are both sidelined for at least a month, the Tigers remain optimistic. Young talents like Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene are expected to step up, with Torkelson batting .326 during spring training and Greene hitting .302.
As for the Dodgers, they enter the game with a 2-0 record after their successful trip to Japan. The team is eager to continue their dominance in the league, having not missed the playoffs since 2012. Their powerful lineup, which includes Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman, is poised to challenge the Tigers’ pitching staff.
The odds for the game reflect the Dodgers' strong position, with FanDuel Sportsbook listing them as -164 favorites against the Tigers, who are set at +134. The over/under for runs in the game is set at 6.5, indicating expectations for a competitive matchup.
As both teams take the field, fans can expect a thrilling contest that not only kicks off the 2025 season but also showcases the talent and potential of both franchises. With Skubal and Snell on the mound, the stage is set for a classic pitching duel that could define the early narrative of the season.
The Tigers' lineup for Opening Day features Skubal on the mound, supported by Andy Ibáñez at third base, Gleyber Torres at second, Riley Greene in left field, Spencer Torkelson as designated hitter, Manuel Margot in right field, Colt Keith at first base, Javier Báez at shortstop, Jake Rogers catching, and Ryan Kreidler in center field.
The Dodgers will field Blake Snell as their starting pitcher, with Shohei Ohtani as the designated hitter, Mookie Betts at shortstop, Teoscar Hernández in right field, Freddie Freeman at first base, Tommy Edman in center field, Will Smith catching, Max Muncy at third base, Miguel Rojas at second base, and Andy Pages in left field.
The anticipation is palpable as fans from both sides gear up for what promises to be an unforgettable Opening Day. With the stakes high and both teams eager to make a statement, all eyes will be on Dodger Stadium as the 2025 MLB season officially gets underway.
For those looking to catch the game, it’s a perfect opportunity to witness the excitement of Major League Baseball as the Tigers and Dodgers battle it out in Los Angeles.
