Tag: Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays odds predictions pick betting line spread

Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Houston Astros (64-55) and Tampa Bay Rays (59-60) get together Wednesday, as they close out a 3-game set in Tampa. The opening pitch at Tropicana Field will be at 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Astros lead 3-2

Houston has taken the 1st 2 games of this series and won 7 straight contests. Astros pitching has yielded just 3 runs over the 2 games, and the Houston staff owns a tidy 2.42 ERA since Aug. 4.

Tampa Bay has lost 4 of its last 5 and has batted just .214/.279/.349 (.629 OPS) since July 31.

Astros at Rays projected starters

RHP Ronel Blanco vs. RHP Zack Littell

Blanco (9-6, 3.02 ERA) is tabbed for his 23rd start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 through 128 IP.

  • Last outing: No-decision, 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 8-4 win at Boston Red Sox Friday
  • Career vs. Rays: 0-1, 3.86 ERA (7 IP, 3 ER), 10 H, 2 BB, 10 K in 2 appearances (1 start)

Littell (5-8, 4.11 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.35 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 through 124 2/3 IP.

  • Last outing: Loss, 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 5 K in 4-1 home loss vs. Baltimore Orioles Friday
  • Career vs. Astros: 2-0, 2.53 ERA (10 IP, 3 ER), 12 H, 1 BB, 7 K in 2 starts

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.

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:36 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Astros -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Rays +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+145) | Rays +1.5 (-175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rays 4

Moneyline

Houston is 12-6 over its last 18 games vs. the Rays.

The Astros were a solid betting choice in the 1st 2 games. They are a bit less so in this one due to Blanco likely being overvalued by bettors. But the Houston righty has been undone of late by a batting average on balls in play in recent starts. A recency-bias look at both starters is kinder to Blanco.

Tampa Bay figures to have overplayed its runs/runs-against profile to date and is a bit of an institutional fade lean before any pitching is considered.

But the leans toward the visiting nine here are small. Consider a partial-unit play on the ASTROS (-120).

Run line/Against the spread

More juice here; no value. AVOID.

Over/Under

Both clubs tote a few Under trends into this series finale, but the Over is a slight lean.

The opposing lineups both saw Blanco and Littell in the Houston-Tampa series earlier this month. And again, Blanco could well be overrated by many prognosticators.

Tag the OVER 8 (-105) — price available at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Houston Astros (63-55) and Tampa Bay Rays (59-59) meet Tuesday with 1st pitch from Tropicana Field at 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 2-2

Houston took Monday’s series opener 6-1, and the Astros have won 6 consecutive games. The club hit 2 HRs Monday and has hit multiple homers in 5 straight games while banging out a .975 OPS in the process.

The Rays, who are 1-3 on a current homestand, took 2 of 3 from the Astros in an Aug. 2-4 set in Houston. Tampa Bay has slashed a mere .220/.288/.365 (.653 OPS) since July 31.

Astros at Rays projected starters

LHP Yusei Kikuchi vs. RHP Shane Baz

Kikuchi (5-9, 4.62 ERA) is lined up for his 25th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9 in 126 2/3 IP.

  • Last outing: Win, 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 8 K in 6-4 win at Texas Rangers Wednesday
  • Career vs. Rays: 5-2, 3.67 ERA (54 IP, 22 ER), 52 H, 19 BB, 66 K in 11 appearance (10 starts)
  • Has pitched 6 innings or more just once since June 11

Baz (0-1, 4.3 ERA) is tabbed for his 7th start. He owns a 1.47 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 8 K/9 in 29 1.3 IP.

  • Last outing: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 6-4 win at St. Louis Cardinals Thursday
  • Career vs. Astros: 0-0, 3.38 ERA, 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 5 K in an Aug. 2 start

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.

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:04 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Astros -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Rays +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+125) | Rays +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rays 4

Moneyline

Houston has won 5 straight on the road. The Rays are 1-4 across their last 5 at the Trop.

Recency bias on pitching lines makes for a green check mark in the Houston column. Kikuchi has pitched better than recent results show, while Baz’s numbers swing the other way. And for the season, Kikuchi has been undone by a .336 batting average on balls in play.

The Astros lineup has been productive of late. It figures the Houston bullpen will be leaned on in this one, and that’s a well-rested group, including the back end.

TAKE THE ASTROS (-135).

Run line/Against the spread

Low-total RL betting on favorites is a tough way to make money in the long run. PASS.

Over/Under

In overall team numbers, peg the Tampa offense and Houston defense and pitching as being sectors of this matchup that point to more scoring. Add in the fade assessment on Baz, and the Over is a sliver of a lean.

BACK THE OVER 7.5 (-110); consider making this one a partial-unit basis.

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Houston Astros (62-55) and Tampa Bay Rays (59-58) meet Monday to begin a 3-game series. First pitch in the opener at Tropicana Field will be at 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rays lead 2-1

Houston, which dropped 2 of 3 in a low-scoring home series vs. the Rays Aug. 2-4, head into this set on a 5-game winning streak. The Astros hit a combined 7 home runs at Fenway Park Saturday-Sunday, and they own a .967 OPS in the win streak.

Rays pitching held Houston to just 4 runs in the early-August series. But Tampa Bay is 2-4 since.

Astros at Rays projected starters

LHP Framber Valdez vs. RHP Taj Bradley

Valdez (11-5, 3.46 ERA) is making his 21st start. He has a 1.19 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 8.1 K/9 in 125 IP.

  • Last outing: Win, 8 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 1 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 4-2 win at Texas Rangers Tuesday
  • Career vs. Rays: 0-1, 10.13 ERA (5 1/3 IP, 6 ER), 9 H, 3 BB, 2 K in 1 start
  • Has held opposing batters to a .559 OPS over his last 6 starts

Bradley (6-6, 3.07 ERA) makes his 17th start. He owns a 1.09 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 10.5 K/9 in 91 IP.

  • Last outing: Loss, 4 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 3 K in 5-2 loss at St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday
  • Career vs. Astros: 1-1, 8.64 ERA (8 1/3 IP, 8 ER), 7 H, 4 BB, 10 K in 2 starts
  • Clocked an 0.82 ERA across 55 IP from June 8-July 25, but has yielded 9 runs over his last 9 2/3 IP

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.

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:29 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Astros -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Rays +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+135) | Rays +1.5 (-160)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rays 4

Moneyline

Houston is on a roll of late and is 6-1 across its last 7 road contests. Tampa Bay has dropped 3 straight series openers.

Valdez has been sharp enough that the road-favorite price on the Astros is still attractive here.

At 3.93 runs per game and 4.35 RPG allowed, Tampa’s over-.500 record is suspect.

BACK HOUSTON (-130).

Run line/Against the spread

PASS: the Houston ML play has less juice and better leverage.

Over/Under

A good pitching matchup has this total sitting down low. But Bradley has not been too efficient or effective his last couple of starts and is facing an Astros club swinging hot bats. Valdez had a lofty pitch count in his last start, and his return-after-100-pitches starts the last couple seasons have not been great. And left-handers bring out the best side of the Rays’ platoon splits (.754 OPS vs. lefty pitching).

BACK THE OVER 7.5 (+100).

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Astros (13-11) and Tampa Bay Rays (20-4) will wrap up their 3-game series Wednesday at Tropicana Field. First pitch from St. Petersburg will be at 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

These teams split the 1st 2 games of the series and each have scored a total of 8 runs. The Astros bounced back from an 8-3 loss on Monday to beat the Rays 5-0 on Tuesday, getting 6 shutout innings from SP Luis Garcia and outhitting Tampa Bay 11-5. It snapped the Rays’ 6-game winning streak and gave Houston its 5th win in the last 6 games.

The Rays have been by far the best team in the league this season, 4 games better than the next-closest team. They’re 14-1 at home and have an overall plus-88 run differential, 30 better than everyone else. After a red-hot start, they’ve lost 4 games in their last 11, so they’ve begun to come back down to earth.

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Astros at Rays projected starters

RHP Hunter Brown vs. RHP Calvin Faucher

Brown (2-0, 3.09 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 in 23 1/3 IP.

  • In 2 starts this season, he has pitched 7 shutout innings; in his other 2 starts he allowed 4 runs in 4 2/3 innings
  • Has struck out 5 batters in 2 of his starts and 7 in his other 2 starts

Faucher (0-0, 5.91 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.50 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 in 10 2/3 IP.

  • Operated as the opener in his last 2 appearances, pitching 2 innings in his most recent start and 2 2/3 in the previous one
  • Hasn’t thrown more than 46 pitches in an outing yet
  • The Rays are 1-1 in the 2 games he has started

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:08 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Astros +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Rays -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros +1.5 (-190) | Rays -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rays 4

Moneyline

This game sets up well for the Astros, who are facing Faucher – an opener who won’t go deep into the game. He’s already given up 2 HRs in only 10 2/3 innings, along with 14 hits, so he’s susceptible to getting hit hard.

The Rays aren’t on the tear they were on to start the year and have dropped 4 of their last 11, one of which was with Faucher starting the game. BET ASTROS (+105) to win outright.

Run line/Against the spread

With this being a relatively even matchup, I don’t love betting the Astros on the run line because. Though I expect them to cover, it’s not worth the juice at -190 when you can just bet them to win outright at +105.

The Astros also haven’t lost a game by fewer than 2 runs since April 7, so betting them to cover the 1.5-run margin isn’t the best way to play this game. PASS.

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Over/Under

The total went over in the 1st meeting between these teams and under in the 2nd, so there isn’t a strong trend to follow in this season series. However, the Over is 15-8-1 in Astros games and 13-8-3 in Rays games, according to Covers.

The Rays’ pitching staff is excellent and ranks 1st in team ERA (2.82), but they’re facing a tough Astros lineup Wednesday. BET OVER 8.5 (-105).

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Astros (12-11) play the 2nd contest of a 3-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (20-3) Tuesday. First pitch at Tropicana Field is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rays lead 1-0; Astros won 5-1 in 2022

The Astros suffered an 8-3 setback in the series opener against the Rays, halting a 3-game win streak. Houston had outscored the opposition 19-6 in the 3-game run. The good news for the Astros is that they haven’t lost consecutive games since April 7-8 in Minnesota.

The Rays enter on a 6-game winning streak, outscoring the opposition by a 42-14 margin. Tampa Bay has cashed in 4 in a row against AL West teams, while going 14-2 in the last 16 games against a right-handed starting pitcher.

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Astros at Rays projected starters

RHP Luis Garcia vs. RHP Drew Rasmussen

Garcia (1-2, 5.14 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.38 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 10.3 K/9 in 21 IP.

  • Posted his 1st quality start of the season last time out Wednesday vs. the Toronto Blue Jays: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
  • Has posted 16 K in the last 2 starts over 12 IP; has had at least 4 K in each of his 4 outings

Rasmussen (3-1, 2.03 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 0.94 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 10.5 K/9 in 22 1/3 IP.

  • Has allowed runs in just 1 of his 4 starts so far this season
  • Allowed just 1 H and 0 BB with 8 K across 7 scoreless IP in a win against the Oakland Athletics in his only home start on April 9
  • Has managed at least 7 K in 3 of his 4 starts, and he has allowed just 1 HR across his 22 1/3 IP

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:12 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Astros +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Rays -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros +1.5 (-150) | Rays -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 4, Astros 2

Moneyline

The RAYS (-165) are a solid play on their home field, as they continue to show no signs of letting up.

Tampa Bay should handle its business against Houston’s Garcia, as the Rays are 14-2 in the last 16 tries against a right-handed starting pitcher. Tampa has won 40 of the past 53 games at home, too, which is a winning percentage of .755.

Run line/Against the spread

The RAYS -1.5 (+125) are worth a roll of the dice on the run line, too.

Rasmussen has allowed very little in the way of runs, while Garcia has been a little more erratic. The starting pitchers will be the difference.

Tampa won and covered on the run line as a favorite in the series opener, and it is 4-2 in the last 6 on the run line as a fave during the current 6-game win streak. If you like the Rays to win, you should like them on the run line, too.

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Over/Under

UNDER 7.5 (-110) is the line, but go lightly.

The Over has been on fire for both teams lately, but Garcia and Rasmussen should post plenty of donuts early on. The Under is also 6-2-1 in the last 9 for the Rays against teams with a winning overall record, while going 28-9-3 in the past 40 meetings at Tropicana Field.

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Astros (12-10) will begin a 3-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (19-3) on Monday at Tropicana Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Astros went 5-1 vs. the Rays in 2022

The Astros defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-2 on Sunday to complete the 3-game series sweep on the road. Houston has won 4 straight games and its last 2 series.

On Sunday, the Rays beat the Chicago White Sox 4-1 to improve to 19-3 on the season. Tampa Bay has secured 5 consecutive victories to give itself the best record in baseball.

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Astros at Rays projected starters

RHP Jose Urquidy vs. RHP Taj Bradley

Urquidy (1-1, 3.66 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.53 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 19 2/3 IP.

  • Has given up 7 H in 3 of his 1st 4 starts this season
  • Has 1-4 record in his last 7 starts dating back to last season

Bradley (2-0, 2.61 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 0.97 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 14.8 K/9 in 10 1/3 IP.

  • Has 8-plus K’s in each of his 1st 2 starts this season
  • Last start: 5 1/3 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K vs. the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:43 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Astros +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Rays -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros +1.5 (-160) | Rays -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 5, Astros 3

Moneyline

One of these teams is going to have its winning streak end on Monday. With Tampa Bay boasting a 13-0 record at home this season, I’ll back the RAYS (-150) to get the job done.

Run line/Against the spread

RAYS -1.5 (+135) has solid value with how Tampa Bay has performed at home thus far. Urquidy is a pitcher who can struggle with his lack of swing and misses, while Bradley has hit the ground running in his 1st 2 starts.

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Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 8.5 (-115).

Both of these teams certainly have lineups that are capable of producing runs in bunches. However, the Under is 28-8-3 in the last 39 meetings in Tampa Bay and 43-21-4 in the last 68 meetings overall.

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (98-51) and Tampa Bay Rays (82-66) clash Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. ET as they put a lid on a 3-game set at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Houston leads 2-0

The Astros shut out Tampa 4-0 Monday and 5-0 Tuesday. They are now 9-1 over their last 10 games. Houston’s pitching of late has been tremendous. Since Aug. 21, the Astros are 21-6 with a 2.15 ERA.

The Rays had been 16-3 over their previous 19 home games, but they’ve now dropped 2 in a row while mustering just 8 combined hits. Tampa Bay is 4-8 and batting just .231/.298/.337 (.634 OPS) over its last 12 games.

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Astros at Rays projected starters

RHP Lance McCullers, Jr. vs. RHP Corey Kluber

McCullers Jr. (3-1, 2.34 ERA) owns a 1.27 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9 and 9.6 K/9 through 34 2/3 IP over 6 starts.

  • Is coming off an 11-strikeout performance in his last turn, which marked his most in a single game since July 29, 2018
  • Has exhibited fastball velocity roughly a mile-an-hour slower than last season when he averaged 94.0 mph on that pitch
  • Has thrown fewer first-pitch strikes than at any full season of his career, and that has fed into a BB/9 rate which is his highest since 2017.

Kluber (10-9, 4.44 ERA) makes his 29th start. He has a 1.19 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 through 148 IP.

  • Has seen things go sideways in his last two starts (combined 10 ER on 17 hits over 6 1/3 IP)
  • Owns a 2.41 ERA over his last 3 home starts and a 3.92 ERA at home for the season

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:37 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Rays +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+133) | Rays +1.5 (-165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 5, Astros 4

Money line

BACKING THE RAYS (+105) here, almost exclusively due to starting pitching vs. expectations. It’s not that McCullers isn’t supremely talented or that Kluber has not scuffled, but the pricing here rewards the muddy middle, to where regression drains.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS on the more juice-laden Run Line.

Over/Under

With the slightest fade in this game’s overall pitching, but mostly due to an attractive price here, back the OVER 7.5 (+110).

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (97-51) and Tampa Bay Rays (82-65) meet Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. ET to continue a 3-game set at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Houston leads 1-0

The Astros shut out Tampa 4-0 Monday and are now 8-1 over their last 9 games. Houston’s pitching of late has been terrific. Since Aug. 21, the Astros are 20-6 with a 2.23 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Houston is 9-1 over its last 10 games away from Minute Maid Park.

The Rays had been 16-3 over their previous 19 home games, but they were shut out Monday for the first time since July 28. Tampa Bay is 4-7 and batting just .241/.301/.352 (.654 OPS) over its last 11 games.

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Astros at Rays projected starters

RHP Cristian Javier vs. LHP Shane McClanahan

Javier (9-9, 2.87 ERA) has appeared in 27 games and made 22 starts. He’s logged a 1.00 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 11.8 K/9 through 131 2/3 IP.

  • Owns a 1.79 ERA over his last 7 starts
  • Coming off 6 scoreless innings Wednesday at the Detroit Tigers; has allowed 1 ER or less in 5 of his last 6 starts

McClanahan (12-5, 2.13 ERA) owns a 0.86 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 11.0 K/9 through 152 1/3 IP across 25 starts.

  • Has pitched 11 scoreless innings over his last 2 starts
  • Figures to see a heavy dose of right-handed bats in the Houston lineup; has held righties to a .508 OPS this season

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Rays -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros +1.5 (-205) | Rays -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, Rays 3

Money line

There is some risk because of the fine pitching match-up, but HOUSTON (+110) is a workable play.

This boils down to the dependability of the Astros lineup, which has cranked out an .883 OPS over its last 11 games. McClanahan’s start is his second off a layoff, and that could bring on middle-inning fatigue. The Tampa port-sider missed the first couple weeks of September with a shoulder impingement.

Run line/Against the spread

With respect for McClanahan, bigger bankroll players may want to consider a line watch here instead of the outright ML play.

Houston +1.5 priced at either -195 or even -200 makes for solid leverage.

Over/Under

With the slightest 4-way (both starters, both bullpens) fade in this game’s pitching, and with due respect for the Houston offense — one at its best against left-handers (.772 OPS) — back the OVER 6.5 (-108).

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (96-51) and Tampa Bay Rays (82-64) meet Monday at 6:40 p.m. ET to open a 3-game set at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Houston went 4-2 against Tampa Bay last season.

The Astros are 7-1 over their last 8 games, and they are 19-6 with a tidy 2.32 ERA since Aug. 21. Houston is back on the road after a brief 4-game home stand; it is 8-1 over its last 9 games away from Minute Maid Park.

The Rays have hustled their way to a 10-7 mark in September. Every win and loss has been key, as Tampa Bay is in a race for an American League wild-card slot. The Rays will look to leverage every last remaining game at home where they are 16-3 over their last 19 efforts.

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Astros at Rays projected starters

RHP Luis Garcia vs. RHP Drew Rasmussen

Garcia (12-8, 4.04 ERA) has logged a 1.17 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 9.2 K/9 through 140 1/3 IP across 25 starts.

  • Has faced the Rays once in his career — last Sept. 29 — when he was peppered for 6 runs in 5 IP
  • Has been marvelous on the road with a 3.06 ERA over 12 starts

Rasmussen (10-5, 2.77 ERA) makes his 26th start. He has a 1.07 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 8.1 K/9 through 126 2/3 IP.

  • Owns a 2.11 ERA over his last 7 starts
  • Threw 5 scoreless innings in a game against Houston last season (Sept. 29)

Astros at Rays odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Rays -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+175) | Rays +1.5 (-220)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

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Astros at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rays 2

Money line

Figure Rasmussen as being a bit too far over his skis with his surface ERA. He has some generous rates around the margins, and Houston can avoid getting too left-handed in its lineup, which plays into a Rasmussen advantage.

Houston has won 6 straight series openers.

TAKE THE ASTROS (+100).

Run line/Against the spread

Tampa Bay scored 5 runs in each of its games Saturday and Sunday, but an offensive slump is not too far in the rearview mirror: the Rays logged a mere .642 OPS from Sept. 7-16.

Peg Houston as having the slight back-of-the-bullpen rest advantage in Monday’s opener.

Consider HOUSTON -1.5 (+175) as a secondary betting option.

Over/Under

STEER CLEAR. The most leverage in this one is on the Houston sides.

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Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (14-12) and Tampa Bay Rays (13-14) play the second of a three-game set Saturday with a 4:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Tropicana Field. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. Rays odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Jose Urquidy is the projected starting pitcher for the Astros. He is 1-2 with a 4.67 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 7.3 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 over 27 IP through five starts.

Urquidy posted his first quality start of the season last time out despite allowing two solo homers against the Seattle Mariners on Monday for his first victory of the season.

LHP Josh Fleming is the projected starting pitcher for the Rays. He is 1-2 with a 1.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 4.9 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 through 14 2/3 IP across two starts and a relief appearance.

Fleming has allowed just 10 total hits with four walks in his 14 2/3 innings this season, and he has served up just one home run. His only homer allowed was April 14 against the Texas Rangers.

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Astros at Rays odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Rays +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Astros -1.5 (+125) | Rays +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under: 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Astros 8, Rays 4

Money line (ML)

The ASTROS (-125) handled their business in the opener of the three-game set, taking care of the Rays (+105) by a 9-2 score. That win for Houston came against another left-handed starting pitcher. The Astros are 4-1 across the past five against an LHP.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The ASTROS -1.5 (+125) cashed on the run line as favorites Friday night, and each of their past five victories have been by at least two runs. After a rather slow start to the season, the Astros appear to be hitting on all cylinders again.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 8 (-110) is the way to go here. While you needn’t worry about weather under the only fixed dome stadium in the majors, the Over cashed on Friday. The Over is 6-4-1 across Houston’s 11 games against a left-handed starting pitcher, while the Over is 11-6 in Tampa’s 17 games against a right-handed starter.

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