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The Tampa Bay Rays (78-80) and Detroit Tigers (84-74) conclude a 3-game series Thursday. First pitch from Comerica Park is slated for 1:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rays vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tigers lead 4-1
The Rays dropped their 2nd straight game to the Tigers Wednesday night, 7-1. Tampa Bay has been outscored 9-2 during this series. The Rays are just playing out the string, as they’ve been eliminated from playoff contention.
Detroit won for the 8th time in their last 9 games and currently holds the final AL Wild Card spot by 2 games over the Minnesota Twins. The Tigers pitching staff has held the Rays to just 10 hits and 2 runs in the 2 games of this series. Detroit is 19-12 against the AL East this season.
Rays at Tigers projected starters
LHP Tyler Alexander vs. RHP Reese Olson
Alexander (6-5, 5.35 ERA) makes his 8th start and 23rd appearance. He has a 1.27 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 102 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K in 1-0 home victory against Toronto Blue Jays Friday
- 2024 road splits: 3-3, 4.47 ERA (46 1/3 IP, 23 ER), 1.08 WHIP, 6.2 K/9 in 12 games (3 starts)
- Career vs. Tigers: 0-1, 4.50 (4 IP, 2 ER), 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 1 appearance
Olson (4-8, 3.49 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 1.19 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 8.1 K/9 in 108 1/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 6-4 win at Baltimore Orioles Saturday
- 2024 home splits: 3-4, 3.47 ERA (49 1/3 IP, 21 R (19 ER), 1.18 WHIP, 7.5 K/9 in 8 starts
- Only start vs. Rays: Loss, 5 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K in 8-0 home loss Aug. 4, 2023
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Rays at Tigers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 12:36 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rays +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Tigers -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-155) | Tigers -1.5 (+130)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rays at Tigers picks and predictions
Prediction
Tigers 4, Rays 1
Moneyline
PASS.
The Tigers (-165) are one of the hottest teams in baseball and I’m going to ride the hot hand, but not at those odds. I’ll take my wager to the run line.
Run line/Against the spread
BET TIGERS -1.5 (+130).
The Tigers are absolutely on fire right now, riding a 4-game winning streak and having won 8 of their last 9. They’re fighting for a playoff spot, and their destiny is completely in their own hands—win out, and they’ll be in the postseason for the 1st time since 2013, back when they still had legends like Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander.
On the flip side, the Rays have little left to play for except pride, and let’s be honest—they haven’t been very competitive lately. Tampa Bay has been struggling, averaging just 2 runs per game over their last 6 outings. With all this momentum on Detroit’s side and a struggling opponent, it’s hard to see the Tigers not taking care of business at home and covering that run line on Thursday.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 7.5 (-110).
While their recent meetings have been a mixed bag when it comes to totals, the Rays are on fire when it comes to hitting the Under—8-1-1 in their last 10 games, with 6 of those hitting Under the total.
The Rays have really been struggling to find their offensive groove lately, scoring just 12 runs over their last 6 games. Plus, the Tigers have kept them in check, allowing only 1 run in each game of this series. The Tigers haven’t exactly been lighting it up either, sporting a 6-3-1 record against the Under in their last 10.
With both teams having trouble scoring, it doesn’t seem like we’re in for a high-scoring affair. So, betting the Under feels like a smart move here!
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