The Boston Red Sox (47-39) and the Tampa Bay Rays (45-40) open a 4-game set Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Red Sox vs. Rays odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Rays lead series 4-2
The Red Sox gained a split in a 4-game set against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park over the weekend after they picked up a rousing 11-6 victory in Sunday’s finale despite trailing 6-2 in the top of the 3rd inning.
The Rays are licking their wounds after a shocking 3-game sweep at the hands of the lowly Cincinnati Reds in interleague play over the weekend. Tampa Bay was outscored 17-10 over the series.
Red Sox vs. Rays projected starters
RHP Brayan Bello vs. RHP Matt Wisler
Bello (0-1, 9.00 ERA) makes his 2nd start of the season.
- Made his major league debut against the Rays at Fenway Park Wednesday with 4 ER, 6 H and 3 BB and 2 K across 4 IP in a loss.
- Was 10-4 with a 2.33 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 114 K across just 85 IP over 15 starts and 1 relief appearance between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester.
Wisler (2-3, 2.58 ERA) makes his 5th start and 36th appearance of the season. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 through 38 1/3 IP.
- Is 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA and a .227 opponent batting average with 18 K across 19 2/3 IP in 1 start and 16 relief appearances at home.
- Has posted a 1-0 record with a 4.50 ERA in 2 IP in 2 relief appearances vs. Boston this season.
Red Sox vs. Rays odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:02 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Red Sox -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Rays +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Red Sox -1.5 (+145) | Rays +1.5 (-180)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
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Red Sox vs. Rays picks and predictions
Prediction
Red Sox 7, Rays 5
Money line
The RED SOX (-120) are looking to build upon the momentum of Sunday’s comeback victory against the Yankees. In addition, Boston looks to kick Tampa Bay while it is down after an embarrassing 3-game sweep in Cincinnati and to get Bello his first-career victory.
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Run line/Against the spread
The RED SOX -1.5 (+145) are worth a look on the run line, although play it lightly as Boston is using a rookie pitcher making just his second-ever start. Bello was knocked around at home against the Rays in his first outing, so tread lightly.
Over/Under
The OVER 7.5 (-120) is the best play on the board here. Bello is unproven, and Wisler will basically serve as the opener before turning it over to the bullpen sooner rather than later.
The Over has hit in 4 straight games for the BoSox, including 4 in a row inside the division.
The Over is 5-1-1 in the Rays’ last 7 home games, and 9-3 in their last 12 against teams with a winning record.
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