Tag: Rays Cubs odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

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

The Tampa Bay Rays (39-18) end their 3-game series with the Chicago Cubs (24-30) Wednesday. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 2:20 ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 2-0

The Rays and Cubs combine to average over 10 runs per game, but this series has been unusual to say the least. The Cubs followed up Monday’s 1-0 victory with a 2-1 win Tuesday and now the Rays are a loss away from being swept for the 1st time this season.

The Cubs bullpen helped seal the victory, allowing 1 hit in 4 innings after RHP Kyle Hendricks showed he has more left in the tank after missing most of the 2022 season with a shoulder injury.

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Rays at Cubs projected starters

RHP Zach Eflin vs. LHP Justin Steele

Eflin (7-1, 3.17 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 54 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 B, 0 K in an 6-3 win vs. the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday
  • Has a 1.08 OPS when the batter is ahead in the count and a .451 OPS when he is ahead

Steele (6-2, 2.77 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 65 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 3.2 IP, 5 ER, 10 H, 0 BB, 4 K in a 9-0 loss against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday
  • Allowed a total of 2 home runs this season

Rays at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook;  access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rays -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Cubs +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+120) | Cubs +1.5 (-145)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Rays at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 4, Cubs 2

Moneyline

The Rays have yet to be swept this season and I’m skeptical it will it come against these Chicago Cubs. Despite not giving up a HR at Wrigley Field this season, Steele allows .260 BA at home versus .209 on the road.

BET RAYS -135.

Run line/Against the spread

Before this series the Cubs lost 10 of their 12 one-run games this season. If the Rays win this game, it’s more likely than not that their margin will be greater than 1 run. I like the spread to boost the odds.

RAYS -1.5 (+120).

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Over/Under

After 2 low-scoring games, I like the Under again. Certainly there will be more runs than Tuesday, but 8.5 seems a bit high with these pitchers.

Also, the Under has hit in 5 of the Rays last 7 games when they hold their opponent to 2 runs or less runs in their previous game. And the Cubs are 3-1-1 toward the Under in their last 5 games when the O/U was set above 9.

LEAN UNDER 8.5 (+100).

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Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

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

The Tampa Bay Rays (39-17) and Chicago Cubs (23-30) play the 2nd game of a 3-game set Tuesday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 1-0

The Rays lost 1-0 as -118 favorites Monday in the series opener. Tampa Bay was shut out for the 1st time since April 26 and is just 10-10 in its last 20 games.

The Cubs closed as +109 home underdogs in Monday’s win. OF Mike Tauchman drove in the game’s only run on a sacrifice fly in the 4th inning as Chicago ended a 4-game skid.

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Rays at Cubs projected starters

LHP Shane McClanahan vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks

McClanahan (8-0, 1.97 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 10.5 K/9 through 64 innings.

  • Last outing: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 7 K in a 7-3 win vs. Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday
  • Only career start vs. Cubs: No-decision, 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 9 K in a 4-2 road loss April 18, 2022

Hendricks (0-1, 6.23 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He allowed 3 ER on 6 H and 2 BB with 5 K through 4 1/3 innings in his debut vs. the New York Mets Thursday.

  • 16 starts in 2022: 4-6 with a 4.80 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 7 K/9 in 84 1/3 IP
  • Only career start vs. Rays: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K April 18, 2022

Rays at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:23 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rays -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Cubs +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (-115) | Cubs +1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Rays at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 6, Cubs 3

Moneyline

The Rays are 4-0 in their last 4 games after scoring 2 or fewer runs. Tampa Bay (-200) should hit, but there is no need to pay the higher price on the moneyline when the Rays should win by multiple runs. Bet the run line and/or the total instead.

PASS.

Run line/Against the spread

The Rays are 4-0 in their last 4 games after a loss and 5 of their last 6 wins have been by multiple runs. The Cubs have lost 4 of their last 5 home games and each of those losses has been by 3 or more runs.

Tampa Bay should have no problem bouncing back and winning by margin with its advantage at starting pitcher Tuesday.

BET RAYS -1.5 (-115).

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Over/Under

The Over is 15-3 in Tampa Bay’s last 18 games and 5-1 in its last 6 interleague contests.

The Over has hit in 4 of the Rays’ last 5 road games vs. teams with a losing record. Tampa Bay should be able to score enough runs to help the Over cash Tuesday, even though McClanahan likely won’t give up many to Chicago.

BET OVER 8.5 (-110).

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Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

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

The Tampa Bay Rays (39-16) and Chicago Cubs (22-30) open a 3-game set Monday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting of 2023; Rays won last season’s series 2-1

The Rays won 11-10 as -122 home favorites vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday. Tampa Bay won the 3-game series 2-1 and has won 4 of its last 5 contests.

The Cubs lost 8-5 as -168 home favorites vs. the Cincinnati Reds Sunday. Chicago was swept in the 3-game set and has lost 4 straight contests.

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Rays at Cubs projected starters

RHP Taj Bradley vs. RHP Marcus Stroman

Bradley (3-1, 4.44 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.15 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 12.6 K/9 through 24 1/3 innings.

  • Last outing: Loss, 4 IP, 4 ER, 9 H, 0 BB, 7 K in a 20-1 loss vs. Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday
  • First career start vs. Cubs

Stroman (4-4, 2.95 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.09 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 through 64 innings.

  • Last outing: Win, 8 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K in a 4-2 win vs. New York Mets Wednesday
  • Career vs. Rays: 5-8, 5.04 ERA (91 IP, 51 ER), 102 H, 13 HR, 31 BB, 75 K in 16 starts

Rays at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:48 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rays -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Cubs +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+140) | Cubs +1.5 (-165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Rays at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 5, Rays 4

Moneyline

Chicago has been playing up to the level of its competition lately and is 6-1 in its last 7 games vs. teams with a winning percentage above .600. Stroman has allowed 2 or fewer runs in 5 of his last 6 starts and should help the Cubs get a much-needed win after getting swept vs. the Reds. Bradley is a young pitcher and may struggle to bounce back after his worst career performance last time out.

BET CUBS (+100).

Run line/Against the spread

Chicago +1.5 (-165) should hit, but there is no need to pay the higher price on the run line when the Cubs should win straight up. Bet the moneyline and/or the total instead.

PASS.

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Over/Under

The Over is 4-0 in Chicago’s last 4 home games and 10-1-1 in its last 12 after a loss. These teams tend to play high-scoring games vs. each other in Chicago, with the Over hitting in 4 of the last 5 meetings, and Monday should be another offensive showcase.

BET OVER 8 (-115).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

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

The Tampa Bay Rays (6-6) will try to push their record back above .500 when they take on the Chicago Cubs (6-5) Wednesday. First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Cubs with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Tied 1-1

SS Wander Franco powered the Tampa offense with 1 HR and 2 RBIs in a 6-5 victory Tuesday. Cubs LHP Justin Steele had a poor performance with 4 ER allowed on 3 H and 3 BB with just 1 K over 2 2/3 IP. The loss dropped Chicago’s home record to 3-2 on the season.

 Rays at Cubs: Projected starters

RHP Drew Rasmussen vs. RHP Marcus Stroman

Rasmussen (0-1, 5.00 ERA) makes his third start of the year. He has allowed 5 ER on 8 H and 1 BB with 5 K through 9 IP.

  • Took the loss against the White Sox last time out with 3 ER allowed in 5 IP.
  • He didn’t issue any walks in his last start and while he punched out just 2 batters, he induced 9 swings and misses among his 68 pitches.

Stroman (0-1, 6.00 ERA) makes his third start. He has given up 6 ER on 8 H and 4 BB with 7 K through 9 IP.

  • After allowing just 1 ER across 5 IP in his first start, he was roughed up Friday in Colorado for 5 ER in just 4 IP the last time he took the mound.
  • He has never been a huge strikeout pitcher and this year’s sample is small but his current 6.3% swinging-strike rate is the lowest of his career and well below last year’s 11.6% mark.

Rays at Cubs 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 11:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rays -117 (bet $117 to win $100) | Cubs -103 (bet $103 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+133) | Cubs +1.5 (-165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

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Rays at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 5, Cubs 4

Money line

Rasmussen shouldn’t be expected to work real deep into the game as he has topped out at 68 pitches so far. However, he’ll turn things over to a relief corps that ranks fourth in the majors with a K-BB% of 18.8%.

Stroman isn’t missing bats so far this season and the Tampa offense should be able to take advantage and come out on top. Back the RAYS (-117).

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Run line/Against the spread

Through 11 games the Cubs have lost by more than 1 run just twice, and the Rays have won by multiple runs only three times in 12 contests. This one should be pretty close throughout so PASS.

Over/Under

The total has gotten to double digits four times this season for both of these teams, and it will likely fall short of that mark again. Look for UNDER 9.5 (-135) to cash in this game.

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Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

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

The Tampa Bay Rays (5-5) start a 3-game interleague set with the Chicago Cubs (5-4) Monday at Wrigley Field with the first pitch scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.

It’s the first meeting between the teams since the 2017 season and only the 14th time they’ve played. The Rays lead the series 8-5

Tampa snapped a 4-game losing skid and prevented a 3-game series sweep by beating the White Sox 9-3 Sunday in Chicago.

The Cubs split their 4-game road set at the Colorado Rockies by winning 6-4 Sunday. Chicago outscored Colorado 22-21 in the series.

Rays at Cubs: Projected starters

LHP Shane McClanahan vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks 

McClanahan (0-1, 3.00 ERA) took the loss Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics, going 4 2/3 IP, allowing 3 ER on 2 H and 3 BB with 8 K. He was the Rays’ Opening Day starter, pitching 4 1/3 scoreless innings in a no-decision with 7 K and 2 BB in Tampa’s 2-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

  • Career road splits: 3-3 with a 3.36 ERA (59 IP, 22 ER), 1.20 WHIP and 9.3 K/9 in 12 starts.

Hendricks (0-1, 7.00) was shelled in his previous outing — a 6-2 loss at the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday — surrendering 6 ER on 7 H and 4 BB with 4 K in 3 2/3 IP. Hendricks earned a no-decision in Chicago’s 5-4 Opening Day victory versus the Milwaukee Brewers.

  • Career home splits: 42-25 with a 2.93 ERA (635 2/3 IP, 207 ER), 1.08 WHIP and 7.6 K/9 in 104 starts and 1 relief appearance.

Rays at Cubs odds, spread 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 2:07 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rays -155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Cubs +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+110) | Cubs +1.5 (-135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +102 | U: -122)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Rays at Cubs prediction and picks

Prediction

Rays 5, Cubs 3

Money line

BET the RAYS (-155) because this is a fair price for a Tampa team that has an edge in the 3 most important phases of baseball (starting and relief pitching and hitting) and the Rays have been much better in interleague play record than the Cubs (+125).

McClanahan is at the top of a Tampa rotation that should be a factor come October whereas Hendricks is more of a middle-of-the-rotation starter at this point in his career and typically gets off to a slow start.

April is Hendricks’ worst month by ERA, FIP, hard-hit rate, WHIP and home runs allowed per 9 innings, according to FanGraphs.

Since the start of last season, the Rays are 15-5 versus NL teams and the Cubs are 6-14 against AL teams. In fact, Tampa has the best winning percentage in interleague play since the beginning of 2019 at 44-22.

BET the RAYS (-155).

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Run line/Against the spread

PASS because the Rays -1.5 (+110) just isn’t a steep enough payout and we are spending for a costly Tampa ML.

Also, Chicago’s lineup has hit really well to start the season so the Cubs +1.5 (-135) could sneak in the backdoor despite Tampa’s strong relief pitching.

Over/Under

Slight LEAN to the UNDER 8.5 (-122), if at all, because the Rays have gone Under the total in 18 of McClanahan’s 25 career starts and Hendricks’ home ERA is nearly a full run lower than his road ERA over his career.

However, it’s only a LEAN to the UNDER 8.5 (-122) because most of the market is on the Under and I hate following the herd in sports betting and the weather forecast is predicting 17 mph winds blowing out to right-center field.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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