The Boston Red Sox (47-41) and Tampa Bay Rays (47-40) play the third contest in a 4-game set at Tropicana Field Wednesday. 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 6-2
The Red Sox have hit the skids. Boston lost the first 2 games of this series and is 2-6 across its last 8 contests.
The Rays have bounced back nicely after a stunning 3-game sweep at the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend. Tampa has outscored Boston 13-7 in the first 2 games of this AL East rivalry series.
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Red Sox at Rays projected starters
RHP Josh Winckowski vs. LHP Shane McClanahan
Winckowski (3-3, 4.35 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 1.52 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 6.1 K/9 through 31 IP.
- Is 1-1 with a 2.38 ERA and .286 opponent batting average with 10 K across 11 1/3 IP across 2 road starts.
- Will be making his first career start against the Tampa Bay Rays.
McClanahan (9-3, 1.73 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 0.82 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 12.2 K/9 through 104 1/3 IP.
- Has pitched 6 or more innings in 11 consecutive starts dating back to May 5.
- Is 7-2 with a 1.88 ERA with a .193 opponent batting average and 91 K across 67 IP in 11 home outings.
Red Sox at 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 5:26 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Red Sox +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Rays -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Red Sox +1.5 (-150) | Rays -1.5 (+122)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -145 | U: +115)
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Red Sox at Rays picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 4, Red Sox 2
Money line
The Rays (-180) are a little on the expensive side despite the fact they have one of their best pitchers on the bump. In addition, Tampa Bay has taken the first two games from the Red Sox, who are now trying to stop a losing skid with a rookie pitcher.
Still, AVOID, as this is too much juice.
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Run line/Against the spread
The RAYS -1.5 (+122) are a much better value on the run line. Tampa covered the run line in the series opener, doubling up Boston 10-5. The Rays did not cover the run line Tuesday in a 1-run win.
The Rays have won by 2 or more runs in 7 of their previous 8 victories, so if you like Tampa to win, you should like it on the run line.
Over/Under
The UNDER 6.5 (+115) is worth a shot Wednesday.
The Over has hit in 5 of the last 6 outings for Boston, but the Under hit Tuesday. The Under is also 11-4-1 in the past 16 for the Red Sox on the road against a left-handed starting pitcher.
The Under is now 6-2-1 in the past 9 meetings between these teams in St. Petersburg.
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