The Tampa Bay Rays (85-69) and the Cleveland Guardians (86-68) play the middle contest of a 3-game set at Progressive Field Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Guardians odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Series tied 2-2
The Rays picked up the 6-5 victory in 11 innings in a seesaw affair as moderate underdogs Tuesday. It was especially impressive considering the players and coaches likely had their minds on family and friends back in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg area with Hurricane Ian approaching.
The Guardians saw their 7-game win streak go up in smoke with the extra-innings loss, but Cleveland likely took its foot off the gas a little after clinching the AL Central Division over the weekend.
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Rays at Guardians projected starters
RHP Tyler Glasnow vs. RHP Triston McKenzie
Glasnow (5-2, 2.66 ERA in 2021) had a 0.93 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 12.6 K/9 through 88 IP in 2021 before suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery.
- Comes off the 60-day IL for his first appearance since June 14, 2021
- Allowed just 1 R on 1 H and 4 BB with 14 K over 7 IP during his rehab stint with Triple-A Durham
McKenzie (11-11, 3.04 ERA) makes his 29th start and 30th appearance. He has a 0.97 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9 through 180 1/3 IP.
- Has a 5-3 record, 2.94 ERA and .198 opponent batting average over 70 1/3 IP across 11 home starts
- Is 2-0 with a 2.28 ER, just 4 BB and 31 K across 27 2/3 IP in 4 September outings
Rays at Guardians odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:51 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Rays +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Guardians -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-220) | Guardians -1.5 (+175)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Rays at Guardians picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 3, Guardians 2
Money line
The RAYS (+102) are worth playing again Wednesday as they look for their 2nd win in as many nights.
The Guardians obviously haven’t seen Glasnow this season, and he has electric stuff capable of confusing them. While it’s likely Glasnow will be on a rather strict pitch count after such a long layoff, Tampa has just this opportunity — and perhaps one more — to see what he has to offer heading into the postseason.
Run line/Against the spread
The Rays +1.5 (-220) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s just too expensive in a game that will be close and well-pitched. If you like Tampa, just play it straight up.
AVOID.
Over/Under
UNDER 6.5 (-107) is risky business at this low, low number, but McKenzie has thrown peas this season, especially at home, and Glasnow could sparkle. He is a Cy Young caliber talent when he is 100 percent healthy. If he is anything near what he was prior to TJS, he will be special down the stretch for the Rays.
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