Kyle Freeland is set to make his fourth consecutive opening day start for the Rockies as they face the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Having experienced a disastrous start last season, where he gave up ten runs in less than three innings, Freeland demonstrates resilience as he aims to turn the page and start fresh this season. After a challenging 2023, he worked diligently to improve his fastball velocity and refine his changeup, which faltered during his past outings.
Freeland’s spring training was marked by ups and downs, yet he showed promise with his new hard slider that complements his cutter. Manager Bud Black expressed confidence in Freeland's abilities, highlighting his commitment and evolution as a pitcher. As the Rockies look to begin the 2025 season positively, Freeland remains focused on harnessing his competitive spirit and consistency on the mound.