The Tampa Bay Rays (85-70) and the Cleveland Guardians (87-68) wrap up a 3-game set at Progressive Field Thursday. 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: Guardians lead series 3-2
The Rays welcomed back RHP Tyler Glasnow Wednesday, for the first time since June 2021 after a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. He pitched well but the Rays came up just short, 2-1.
The Guardians look to win its 2nd series this season from the Rays, a team they could potentially face in the postseason at some point. Both teams have scored 7 runs through the first two games of this set, but Cleveland has outscored Tampa Bay by a slim 20-17 margin overall on the season.
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Rays at Guardians projected starters
LHP Jeffrey Springs vs. RHP Cal Quantrill
Springs (9-4, 2.56 ERA) makes his 24th start and 32nd appearance. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 through 126 1/3 IP.
- Has posted a 5-2 record, 2.88 ERA and .228 opponent batting average with just 6 HR allowed across 65 2/3 IP through 12 starts and 3 relief appearances on the road
- Allowed 3 ER on 6 H and 1 BB with 5 K across 5 IP in a home loss to the Guardians July 29
Quantrill (14-5, 3.49 ERA) makes his 31st start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 through 175 1/3 IP.
- Is a perfect 8-0 with a 3.46 ERA and .240 opponent BA through 101 1/3 IP across 17 starts at Progressive Field
- Has made 15 consecutive starts without a loss dating back to his last setback July 5 at the Detroit Tigers
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 -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Guardians -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+155) | Guardians +1.5 (-190)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +112 | U: -140)
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Rays at Guardians picks and predictions
Prediction
Guardians 3, Rays 2
Money line
The GUARDIANS (-105) are a solid value at home as short ‘dogs, as Quantrill just doesn’t lose at home, and he hasn’t lost anywhere since early July.
The Rays will definitely give Q a run, and it will be a well-pitched matchup on both sides, but the Guardians should come out on top in the end in yet another 1-run game.
Plus, Cleveland is a sparkling 5-0 in the past 5 tries against southpaws, while going 4-1 in the past 5 at home vs. LHP.
Run line/Against the spread
The Guardians +1.5 (-190) are a little too pricey for my liking, costing nearly 2 times your potential return. They’re at home, and it has one of their most consistent pitchers on the bump, but runs will be at a premium here.
AVOID.
Over/Under
UNDER 7.5 (-140) is a tad expensive, but it’s the best play here. Springs and Quantrill will keep the bats quiet in the early going. We saw a total of just 3 runs in Wednesday’s middle game, and there won’t be much more scoring here in a playoff-like atmosphere.
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