The detroit tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates had to wait an extra 24 hours to officially begin the 2018 season. Opening Day in Detroit had to be rescheduled as soaking rains covered the state of Michigan all day on Thursday. While the temps are still expected to be on the chilly side Friday, the rain is expected to be long gone and the game should start on time.

Tigers need a strong start

MLB experts aren’t expecting much out of the Detroit Tigers or the Pittsburgh Pirates this season. Both clubs want to prove those so-called experts wrong. Winning on Opening Day doesn’t mean a team is going to have a great season, but it sure feels good to begin the season with a "W."

For the Tigers to contend in the AL Central they will need pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Michael Fulmer to win 15+ games this season, and truthfully, they should be able to.

Zimmermann is reportedly the healthiest he has been in two seasons and that is good news for the Tigers. Many fans were surprised when manager Ron Gardenhire selected Zimmermann over Fulmer as the Opening Day starter. No matter which pitcher takes the hill on day one, the Tigers will only be successful if this staff is still going strong in late July.

Game odds, TV coverage

Opening Day for baseball fans is like a holiday. In fact, the first week and a half of the season are like a holiday. Remember, the teams on the road this week will be making their Opening Day plans next week. It is just one long party!

According to a Fansided report, the Tigers batting lineup will have a totally different look this season, and fans will notice right from the get-go.

The new leadoff hitter is Leonys Martin. Martin hit .316 this spring, but he is better known for his defense and speed. Detroit will need Martin to set the table for the big guns like Miguel Cabrera, Jeimer Candelario, and Nicholas Castellanos.

While there isn’t much to go on in terms of breaking down the early season games, since there is no track record for 2018 yet, let’s just get to some quick facts.

Since 2009, these two teams have played 37 times with the Pirates holding a 20-17 advantage. The Tigers won three of the four games in 2016, and the Pirates returned the favor last season by capturing three of four last season.

Here is all you need to know about Friday's Opening Day!

First Pitch 1:10 p.m. Friday.

TV: Fox Sports Detroit.

Live Stream: MLB package, FOX Sports Go (Note: live stream may not be available within 90 miles of Detroit on FSG. Check out the FOX Sports Go app for more info.)

Weather forecast: Cloudy, 41 degrees.

Starting pitchers: RHP Jordan Zimmerman (8-13, 6.08 ERA in 2017) vs. RHP Ivan Nova (11-14, 4.14 ERA in 2017).

Game Odds: Pirates -121, over/under run total 9.5

Projected Tigers lineup

1. Leonys Martin -- CF

2. Jeimer Candelario -- 3B

3. Miguel Cabrera -- 1B

4. Nicholas Castellanos -- 3B

5. Victor Martinez -- DH

6. James McCann -- C

7. Mikie Mahtook -- LF

8. Jose Iglesias -- SS

9. Dixon Machado -- 2B
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED