Colorado Rockies vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions May 8th 2025

Rockies’ Tanner Gordon Set for Season Debut in Doubleheader Finale vs. Tigers

Baseball’s unpredictable spring weather reshuffled the schedule this week, condensing a three-game series into two games in one day between the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies. After a rainout on Tuesday, the Tigers took Game 1 of the series 8-6 in 10 innings on Wednesday night, setting up a high-stakes doubleheader to wrap things up on Thursday.

With Thursday’s games on tap, all eyes are on Tanner Gordon, who’s set to make his 2025 MLB season debut in the second game for Colorado.

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Game 1: Freeland vs. Mize—Experience Meets Efficiency

The opening game of the doubleheader features Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-4, 5.70 ERA) facing off against Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (5-1, 2.70 ERA).

Freeland is a familiar face in Colorado, having started a franchise-record 207 games. While his numbers this season aren’t eye-catching, his leadership and ability to grind through tough innings continue to earn respect in the Rockies’ clubhouse.

His most recent outing—a six-inning, three-run performance against the San Francisco Giants—was a testament to his staying power.

“Growing up as a kid in Denver, I never even thought I’d be playing for the Rockies let alone be at the top of a lot of leaderboards,” Freeland said. “I wear that with honor.”

Mize, meanwhile, is trending upward. The former No. 1 overall pick is two wins away from matching his career high and has rebounded nicely from Tommy John surgery, which cost him the 2023 season.

He’s won three straight starts and has gone at least seven innings twice this year, including his last outing against the Los Angeles Angels, when he allowed four runs but still secured a win.

“I always expect more out of myself,” Mize said. “I knew I’d get back to being a quality contributor.”

Check both pitchers’ stats and form on the MLB Team Page.

Game 2: Spotlight on Tanner Gordon’s Comeback

Tanner Gordon will take the mound in the nightcap for Colorado, making his first big-league appearance of the 2025 season. While he hasn’t exactly shined at the major league level—he went 0-6 with an 8.65 ERA in eight starts last season—he’s shown enough in Triple-A Albuquerque (1-1, 4.82 ERA) to earn another look.

His last MLB appearance? A tough outing against these very Tigers, allowing seven runs on 10 hits in just 3.1 innings last September. Thursday is a redemption opportunity—and potentially a turning point in Gordon’s career arc.

He’ll face a Detroit team that hasn’t announced a starter for Game 2 yet, but it’s likely to be a bullpen-heavy effort after Mize handles the opener.

Looking for predictions on today’s matchups? Check the MLB Picks Page for expert analysis.

Tigers Betting on Depth and Consistency

Detroit’s offense is carrying momentum after Wednesday night’s 10-inning win, thanks in large part to their middle-order bats and late-inning clutch hitting. Despite some inconsistency, the Tigers’ offense has done just enough in key situations to steal games this year.

With Tarik Skubal—the reigning AL Cy Young winner—moved to Friday’s game against Texas, the Tigers’ bullpen will likely play a larger role in Game 2. That puts pressure on the bats to give whoever starts some breathing room early.

Expect hitters like Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, and Matt Vierling to be aggressive in early counts against Gordon, who’s struggled when falling behind.

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Gordon’s Career Arc: Still Searching for Stability

Tanner Gordon’s MLB numbers haven’t been impressive, but the 27-year-old has shown flashes of promise. His fastball-slider combination can be effective when he’s ahead in the count, but control issues and command inconsistency have plagued him at times.

In Triple-A, Gordon has pitched to a respectable 4.82 ERA this year, but the numbers don’t tell the full story—he’s made several mechanical adjustments, particularly with his release point and tempo on the mound.

This start isn’t just about helping the Rockies win—it’s about showing he belongs. A solid outing could keep him in the rotation longer, especially with Colorado battling injuries and looking for answers at the back end.

Freeland’s Legacy and Mize’s Promise

While the second game focuses on Gordon’s return, the first is all about legacy vs. breakout.

Kyle Freeland, now the most experienced starter in Rockies history, remains a proud representative of his hometown team. His story is one of loyalty, perseverance, and quiet leadership.

Meanwhile, Casey Mize is writing a new chapter. After two injury-riddled years, the 28-year-old is on pace for a career season, showing command, endurance, and pitch sequencing that remind everyone why he went No. 1 in 2018.

This first game could hinge on whether Mize can contain Colorado’s top bats like Ryan McMahon and Brenton Doyle, both of whom have started the season strong at the plate.

X-Factors for Both Games

For Colorado to win both games:

• Get six solid innings from Freeland in Game 1
• Gordon must keep walks down and avoid big innings
• Early run support to take pressure off shaky bullpen

For Detroit to sweep the day:

• Mize controls the zone early and gets weak contact
• Bullpen holds up in Game 2, especially if it’s a short outing for the mystery starter
• Offensive consistency across both games; capitalize on RISP

FAQs

Who is starting for Colorado in the doubleheader?

• Kyle Freeland starts Game 1; Tanner Gordon will pitch Game 2.

What are Tanner Gordon’s career MLB stats?

• Gordon is 0-6 with an 8.65 ERA in 8 career starts, last appearing in Sept. 2024.

What is Casey Mize’s form this season?

• Mize is 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA and has won three straight starts.

What’s Kyle Freeland’s record with the Rockies?

• Freeland holds the franchise record with 207 starts, debuting in 2017.

Why was Tarik Skubal scratched from Thursday?

• Skubal’s start was pushed to Friday to open the series vs. the Texas Rangers.

Where can I find daily betting picks?

• Visit the MLB Expert Guide for predictions and strategies.