Tampa Bay Rays betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox odds, picks and predictions

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

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Tampa Bay Rays (13-13) visit the Chicago White Sox (3-22) Friday for the opener of a 3-game series. First pitch from Guaranteed Rate Field is set for 7:40 p.m. ET (Apple TV+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. White Sox odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Rays won 6-1 last season

The Rays snapped a 3-game losing streak and avoided a 3-game sweep by the visiting Detroit Tigers Wednesday with a 7-5 win, covering as slight +101 underdogs. CF Randy Arozarena and 2B Curtis Mead each homered in the win.

The White Sox enter on a 7-game losing streak and have been swept in back-to-back series after falling 6-3 at the Minnesota Twins Thursday, failing to cover as +178 road underdogs. After taking a 2-0 lead into the 6th, Chicago allowed 6 runs in 3 innings, which proved to be fatal. LHP Tanner Banks yielded a run and 3 hits without recording an out to pick up the loss in relief.

Rays at White Sox projected starters

RHP Zach Eflin vs. RHP Chris Flexen

Eflin (1-2, 3.68 ERA) makes his 6th start of 2024. He has a 1.06 WHIP, an MLB-best 0.6 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 through 29 1/3 innings.

Rays are 2-3 in Eflin’s 5 starts, scoring 3 runs or fewer in 4 of the 5 games
Allowed 12 ER and 4 HR in his 5 starts, while striking out 26 and walking just 2

Flexen (0-3, 6.41 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 5.0 K/9 through 19 2/3 innings.

White Sox are 0-5 in Flexen’s starts this season with the righty allowing 3 or more runs in 3 of the 5 games
Allowed 14 ER and 4 HR in his 5 appearances, while striking out 11 and walking 7

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

Rays at White Sox odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:54 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rays -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | White Sox +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (-140) | White Sox +1.5 (+115)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Rays at White Sox picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 6, White Sox 4

Moneyline

PASS.

There is minimal value on the Rays (-250) to beat the White Sox (+200), who hold the worst record in the MLB.

Run line/Against the spread

BET RAYS -1.5 (-140).

The White Sox are 1-13 in their last 14 games. Excluding the 1st setback of that stretch, a 7-6 defeat in 10 innings, the Sox lost each by 2 or more runs. They have allowed 6 or more runs in each of their last 6 games and have scored 3 or fewer runs in 10 of their last 13.

Meanwhile, each of the Rays’ last 2 wins have come by 2 or more runs. Overall, 9 of their 13 wins have been by 2 or more runs.

Over/Under

BET OVER 7.5 (-110).

The Rays have hit the Over in 3 of their last 4 games and have scored 3 or more runs in 6 of their last 10. They face a Chicago team that has allowed 6 or more runs in each of their last 7. The White Sox have scored 3 or more runs in 4 of their last 6.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow @seth_orlemann on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

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

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Detroit Tigers (12-10) and Tampa Bay Rays (12-11) open a 3-game series at Tropicana Field Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Tigers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Rays won 5-1 last year

Detroit is coming off a 2-1 road series win after taking down the Minnesota Twins 6-1 Sunday and cashing as a +110 underdog. LF Riley Greene scored 3 runs, while 2B Buddy Kennedy had a home run and 3 RBIs. RHP Casey Mize pitched 6 scoreless innings to pick up the win.

Tampa Bay is coming off a 2-1 road series loss against the New York Yankees after falling 5-4 Sunday and failing to cash as a +116 underdog. A 3-run 8th inning fell just short of the comeback. RF Amed Rosario scored 2 runs and had 2 RBIs, while RHP Aaron Civale allowed 5 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings to pick up the loss.

Tigers at Rays projected starters

LHP Tarik Skubal vs. RHP Zack Littell

Skubal (2-0, 2.28 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 0.80 WHIP, 1.90 BB/9 and 9.89 K/9 in 23 2/3 innings.

Tigers are 3-1 in his starts
Has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in 3 of 4 starts
Has struck out 26 batters this season while walking just 5; he’s projected to set a career-high in K’s at this pace

Littell (1-0, 2.14 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 2.14 BB/9 and 9.43 K/9 in 21 innings.

Rays are 2-2 in his starts
Has allowed 3 or fewer runs in each appearance and 1 or fewer in 3 of the 4
Has struck out 22 batters and walked just 4 this year
Has allowed just 1 home run on the season (against Los Angeles Angels CF Mike Trout)

Tigers at Rays nickname odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Tigers -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Rays -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Tigers -1.5 (+150) | Rays +1.5 (-185)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Tigers at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Tigers 5, Rays 4

Moneyline

BET TIGERS (-115).

The Tigers are coming off a road series win in Minnesota and have had hot bats recently. They have scored 5 or more runs in 3 of their last 4 games while giving up 4 or fewer in each of their last 3.

Skubal has had a hot start to the season and will look to continue that dominance Monday against a Rays team that is 3-3 in its last 6 home games.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

Both pitchers in this game can retire opposing offenses in stunning fashion with both striking out more than 22 batters and walking 5 or fewer in each of their 1st 4 starts. As a result, expect this game to stay close with the value on the spread becoming minimal.

Over/Under

BET OVER 7.5 (-110).

While this game features 2 pitchers who have started the season off hot, 7.5 is too low of a total to be comfortable with.

Detroit has scored 5 or more runs in 3 of its last 4 games and 4 or more in 7 of its last 10.

Tampa Bay has scored 4 or more runs in 4 of its last 8 games and allowed 4 or more in 7 of its last 9.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow @seth_orlemann on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) and New York Yankees (14-6) meet Saturday for the 2nd game of a 3-game series. First pitch from Yankee Stadium is set for 1:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Yankees odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: New York leads 1-0

New York picked up a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay in Friday’s series opener while cashing as a -180 home favorite. The Yankees have now scored at least 5 runs in each of their last 3 wins.

Tampa Bay struck first and held a 1-0 lead until the Yankees scored 5 runs in the 7th, capped off by a 3-run HR from RF Juan Soto. The Rays had 14 hits to New York’s 5 and 18 total bases to New York’s 8 in the loss.

Rays at Yankees projected starters

RHP Zach Eflin vs. LHP Nestor Cortes

Eflin (1-2, 4.63 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 0.8 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 23 1/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 6 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 7-3 loss vs. Los Angeles Angels Monday
Career vs. Yankees: 3-1, 1.86 ERA (29 IP, 6 ER), 25 H, 5 BB, 36 K in 5 starts

Cortes (1-1, 4.50 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.14 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 22 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K in 8-7 loss vs. Cleveland Guardians Sunday
Career vs. Tampa Bay: 2-3, 4.50 ERA (50 IP, 25 ER), 43 H, 13 BB, 41 K across 7 starts and 5 relief appearances

Rays at Yankees odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rays +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Yankees -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-175) | Yankees -1.5 (+145)
Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Rays at Yankees picks and predictions

Prediction

Yankees 4, Rays 1

Moneyline

LEAN YANKEES (-140).

New York has won back-to-back games and is 3-1 in its last 4 at home. The Yankees are also 3-2 in their last 5 matchups vs. the Rays and 2-0 in the last 2 meetings in New York.

This is only a lean because neither team is hotter than the other, as both are 6-4 in their last 10 games. They’ve also split the last 10 meetings 5-5.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I like New York to cover here as a -1.5 (+145) favorite, as the Yankees are 11-9 ATS this season, while the Rays are only 7-14. However, I like New York’s odds better on the moneyline. Bet the moneyline and/or total instead.

I am not a fan of doubling down on the ML and run line for a team, but if you want to place a small wager here on New York, then that’s fine.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 8 (-110).

The Under has hit in back-to-back games for the Rays and is 2-1 in their last 3 at home.

For New York, the Under has hit in each of its last 4 home games and is 12-7-1 this season.

The Under has also hit in 2 of the last 3 Tampa Bay-New York matchups overall and is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings in New York. Be aware that the Under is only 4-6 in Tampa’s last 10 overall and in the last 10 matchups between these squads.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow @payton_shanks on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Los Angeles Angels at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Los Angeles Angels at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Los Angeles Angels (9-9) and Tampa Bay Rays (10-9) wrap up a 4-game series Thursday. First pitch from Tropicana Field is at 1:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Angels vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 3-3

The Angels entered the series having lost 4 of their last 5 games but have taken 2 of 3 so far, winning Monday’s opener 7-3 and picking up a 5-4 victory Wednesday.

The Rays are 5-3 in their last 8 games but have lost 3 of their last 5. They beat the Angels 7-6 in the 2nd game of the series Tuesday.

Angel at Rays projected starters

RHP Griffin Canning vs. RHP Ryan Pepiot

Canning (0-2, 9.88 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.83 WHIP, 4 BB and 12 K in 13 2/3 innings.

Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 7 R (6 ER), 9 H, 0 BB, 9 K in 7-2 road loss to Boston Red Sox Saturday
Has allowed 4 or more runs in all 3 starts this season

Pepiot (1-2, 5.40 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.02 WHIP, 5 BB and 20 K in 16 2/3 innings.

Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K in 11-2 home loss to San Francicsco Giants Saturday
Making 1st career appearance vs. Angels

Angels 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 a.m. ET.

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

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Angels at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 6, Angels 5

Moneyline

The Rays (-160), who are coming off a loss, have not dropped consecutive games in their last 11 outings. They have alternated wins and losses over their last 6 games.

The Angels (+135) have not won 2 straight since a 4-game winning streak from March 31-April 3, a span of 12 contests.

Pepiot has alternated good and not-so-good starts; he allowed 4 runs in 5 innings last time out. His 1.02 WHIP suggests that he is more likely to have a good start than Canning, who has a 1.83 WHIP. Canning has allowed at least 4 runs in every start.

BET RAYS (-160).

Run line/Against the spread

Two of the 3 games in the series have been decided by 1 run.

The Rays have won 5 of their last 7 games. Two of those wins have been by 2 or more runs. They are 7-12 ATS this season.

The Angels’ last 2 losses have been by 1 run.

As much as it would be nice to say you should bet the plus odds for the Rays to cover, that’s not a bet I am confident in, and the odds for a Rays win and an Angels cover are almost the same.

PASS.

Over/Under

The Angels’ last 5 games had at least 9 total runs, as have the Rays’ last 5.

With Canning having allowed 4 or more runs in all 3 starts this season, this feels like the easiest bet of the game to make.

BET OVER 8.5 (-115).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow Jess Root on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Tampa Bay Rays at Los Angeles Angels odds, picks and predictions

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

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Tampa Bay Rays (5-5) take on the Los Angeles Angels (5-4) Monday in the opener of a 3-game set at Angel Stadium at 9:38 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Angels odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Rays won 4-2 last season

The Rays come into Anaheim after taking 2 of 3 in Colorado over the weekend. After scoring 15 runs in the first 2 contests, they had an abnormal pitchers’ duel Sunday, winning 3-2. 3B Isaac Paredes is providing the early pop with 3 HR and 8 RBI in 9 games.

The Halos dropped 2 of 3 against the Boston Red Sox over the weekend. Sunday wasn’t a fun one as the Red Sox mauled them 12-2. On the plus side, the Angels are tied for 10th with 10 HR and 6 steals on the season. They’re 29th with a 5.58 ERA, though. OF Mike Trout has opened the season hitting .250 with 4 solo homers in 9 games.

Rays at Angels projected starters

RHP Zach Eflin vs. LHP Tyler Anderson

Eflin (1-1, 5.25 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.08 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 through 12 IP.

Was great in a win over the Texas Rangers Tuesday (after a rough 1st start); he allowed 1 ER on 5 H, 1 BB with 5 K in 6 1/3 IP
3 career starts vs. Angels: 2-0, 1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 20 K in 19 IP

Anderson (1-0, 0.00 ERA) allowed 4 H and 2 BB while striking out 5 in 7 shutout frames in his win over the Miami Marlins Tuesday.

2023 home/road splits: 4-2, 4.86 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 7.7 K/9 in 13 games (12 GS) at home vs. 2-4, 5.93 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 7.5 K/9 in 14 games (13 GS) on the road
2 career GS vs. Rays: 1-0, 7.84 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 6 K in 10 1/3 IP

Rays at Angels odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:55 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rays -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Angels +125 (bet $100 to win $120)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+115) | Angels +1.5 (-140)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Rays at Angels picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 6, Angels 3

Moneyline

There’s a lot to like for Tampa. They’re hitting .278 with a .370 OBP and .724 OPS against lefties this season. The Angels are 14th with 4.6 R/game, but a lot of those are coming via big flies. With Eflin’s latest start and sterling history against the Angels, RAYS -145 isn’t priced out of range for me, or you can look to the spread instead.

Run line/Against the spread

If you passed on the ML, RAYS -1.5 (+115) is the way to go here.

If you’d rather not double up, here’s a prop I’m targeting. The Angels were one of the most K-able teams in the league last year, and they’re trending there again at 20th with 9.22 per game. Eflin had just 5 K in each of his first 2 starts, and 7 feels a little too high here.

Take ZACH EFLIN UNDER 6.5 K’S (-155).

Over/Under

It’s slated to be 67 degrees with a 13-mph gust coming in from left-center. I still think this gets Over the total. The Rays are 6-4 O/U, and the Angels are 6-3 O/U.

With the way the Rays hit lefties, and the Angels’ ability to leave the yard, take the OVER 8.5 (-120).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Texas Rangers (3-2) wrap up their 3-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (3-3) Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field. First pitch in St. Petersburg is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Rays defeated the Rangers Tuesday 5-2, cashing as a (-144) moneyline favorite. SP Zach Eflin earned the win and 3B Isaac Parades hit a 3-run HR in the 5th inning to help Tampa Bay snap a 6-game losing streak to Texas dating back to last season.

The Rangers have dropped 2 of 3 after opening their season with a couple of wins over the Chicago Cubs. LF Adolis Garcia leads the team with 3 HRs while 3B Evan Carter sports the 4th-highest OBP on the team despite not having a hit yet.

Rangers at Rays projected starters

RHP Nathan Eovaldi vs. RHP Aaron Civale

Eovaldi (0-0, 3.00 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He has a 0.83 WHIP, 1.50 BB/9 and 4.50 K/9 in 6 IP.

2023 road splits: 6-2, 3.56 ERA in 13 starts with 70 K in 76.1 IP
Has 12 career starts at Tropicana Field, sporting a 4-5 record with a 5.00 ERA

Civale (1-0, 1.50 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He has a 0.83 WHIP, 1.50 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9 in 6 IP.

Limited Toronto Blue Jays to just 3 singles and a solo HR
Has started 6 games in his career at the Trop, going 1-1 with a 5.83 ERA

Rangers at Rays odds

Provided by FanDuel 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 (ML): Rangers +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Rays -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Run line (RL): Rangers +1.5 (-200) | Rays -1.5 (+164)
Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -114 | U: -106)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Rangers at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 6, Rangers 5

Moneyline

BET TAMPA BAY (-120).

Fan favorite Randy Arozarena leads the Rays in OBP (.391) and Paredes, who had the most RBI on TB last season (98), has HRs in consecutive games. Expect the Rays offense to build off Tuesday’s 5-run performance that saw the top 4 hitters (1B Yandy Diaz, DH Harold Ramirez, Arozarena & Paredes) all get hits and score runs.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

Certainly wouldn’t chase the plus money with the Rays on the RL. If you like the Dodgers on the ML later this evening vs. San Francisco, pairing Texas +1.5 (-200) along with LA (-235) pays out roughly +110.

Over/Under

BET OVER 8 (-114).

With both SPs sporting a 5.00 ERA or higher at Tropicana Field, expect some runs to be scored early on. SS Corey Seager leads the Rangers with a .421 OBP, and in the 2 Wild Card games played in Tampa Bay last postseason he went 5-for-8 with 3 doubles. The 2x World Series MVP should help generate offense for his Rangers team, it just won’t be enough to keep up through 9 (or potentially more) innings.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow @TheBigCheeShow on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

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

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Texas Rangers (3-1) and Tampa Bay Rays (2-3) meet Tuesday for the 2nd game of a 3-game series. First pitch from Tropicana Field is set for 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Texas leads 1-0

The Rangers jumped out a 6-0 lead and beat the Rays 9-3 in Monday’s series opener, covering as +113 road underdogs. Third baseman Josh Jung went 3-for-4 with a HR and 4 RBIs while scoring twice.

Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot took the loss Monday, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing 4 H and 6 ER with only 3 K. Tampa Bay has lost back-to-back games.

Rangers at Rays projected starters

LHP Andrew Heaney vs. RHP Zach Eflin

Heaney (10-6, 4.15 ERA) made 28 starts and 6 relief appearances in 2023. He had a 1.38 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 9.2 K/9 in 147 1/3 IP.

2023 road splits: 3-3, 4.29 ERA (63 IP, 30 ER), 61 H, 61 K in 12 starts and 3 relief appearances
2023 vs. Tampa Bay: 0-1, 5.40 ERA (5 IP, 3 ER), 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 1 start
Career vs. Rays: 0-4, 3.94 ERA (32 IP, 14 ER), 29 H, 32 K across 6 starts

Eflin (0-1, 9.53 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 5 2/3 IP.

Opened his 2024 season with an 8-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays with 6 ER on 6 H with 5 K in 5 2/3 IP
2023 home splits: 11-4, 3.30 ERA (103 2/3 IP, 38 ER), 94 H, 120 K in 18 starts
Career vs. Texas: 0-1, 15.75 ERA (4 IP, 7 ER), 11 H, 1 K in 1 start

Rangers at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 11:37 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rangers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Rays -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-160) | Rays -1.5 (+135)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Rangers at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 6, Rays 4

Moneyline

LEAN RANGERS (+125).

Texas has won 6 consecutive matchups vs. the Rays, including 3 straight in Tampa Bay, and 4 of those 6 wins came with the Rangers as the underdog, and 1 of those wins came with Eflin being the starting pitcher for Tampa Bay.

This is a very risky bet as Eflin is a very good pitcher and he was dominant at home last season.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I like the Rangers to cover here as +1.5 (-160) underdogs, but their odds are safer on the moneyline, especially given their current streak vs. the Rays. Bet on the moneyline and/or total instead.

Over/Under

BET OVER 8.5 (-105).

The Over has hit in 3 consecutive games for Texas and has hit in back-to-back games for Tampa Bay. The Over is also 7-3 in Texas’ last 10 dating back to last year and 8-2 in Tampa’s last 10 dating back to last year. The Over has also hit in back-to-back matchups between these squads.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow @payton_shanks on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-1) and Tampa Bay Rays (1-1) play the 3rd contest of a 4-game set Saturday at Tropicana Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Blue Jays opened with an 8-2 victory Thursday behind RHP Jose Berrios, while the Rays returned the favor Friday night with an 8-2 win of their own behind RHP Aaron Civale.

This was an evenly matched series last season, with the Rays holding a 4-3 edge at home against the Blue Jays under the roof of Tropicana Field. The Over has cashed in each of the 1st 2 games, and the total has gone high in 13 straight games while cashing in 10 in a row at Tropicana Field.

The favorite cashed in Friday’s game, and that’s a rarity. The underdog has cashed in 6 of the past 8 meetings.

Blue Jays at Rays projected starters

LHP Yusei Kikuchi vs. RHP Zack Littell

Kikuchi (11-6, 3.86 ERA) made 32 starts in 2023. He posted a 1.27 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 in 167 2/3 innings.

2023 road splits: 5-3, 3.77 ERA (88 1/3 IP, 37 ER — 13 HR), 21 BB, 94 K in 17 starts
Last start vs. Rays: Win, 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 11-4 home victory Sept. 29, 2023
2023 vs. Tampa Bay: 2-1, 5.40 ERA, 20 IP, 12 ER (4 HR), 5 BB, 25 K in 4 starts

Littell (3-6, 4.10 ERA) made 14 starts and 14 relief appearances in 2023. He posted a 1.18 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 90 innings.

2023 home splits: 1-2, 4.29 ERA (42 IP, 20 ER — 8 HR), 4 BB, 35 K in 6 starts and 6 relief appearances
Last start vs. Blue Jays: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 2 R (0 ER), 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K in 7-6 home win Sept. 23, 2023
2023 vs. Toronto: 0-0, 7 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 11 H, 3 BB, 7 K in 1 start and 2 relief appearances

Blue Jays 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 10:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Rays -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-210) | Rays -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Blue Jays at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Blue Jays 7, Rays 3

Moneyline

The BLUE JAYS (+100) are a decent play as short ‘dogs behind the veteran southpaw Kikuchi.

The underdog has cashed in 6 of the past 8 meetings in this series, but it’s not all about the trends. Littell isn’t likely to go deep into the night, and the bullpen has been a little shaky to start the season.

Run line/Against the spread

The Blue Jays +1.5 (-210) will set you back more than twice your potential return, and that’s quite a bit too expensive. If you like Toronto, just play it straight up instead.

PASS.

Over/Under

OVER 8.5 (-105) is the play, as we have seen the total go high in each game so far with 10 runs in each outing.

In fact, the Over has cashed in 13 consecutive meetings in this series while cashing in 10 in a row at Tropicana Field. Until that trend is smashed, keep rolling with the Over. It’s worked in both games so far this season.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) take on the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) Friday at Tropicana Field at 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Blue Jays lead 1-0

The Jays took the season opener 8-2 as OF George Springer, 2B Cavin Biggio and 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. each homered. RHP Jose Berrios was dealing with 6 Ks and 2 ER over 6 IP. They’ll look to stay hot at the Trop Friday.

The Rays had their chances as 1B Yandy Diaz went 3-for-4 with a homer and 2 RBI from the leadoff spot. The next 5 hitters combined to go 1-for-17 in the game with 6 Ks. RHP Zach Eflin went 5 2/3 IP and allowed all 3 HRs and 6 ER total. The Rays counter with RHP Aaron Civale Friday, who went 2-3 with a 5.36 ERA, 1.37 WHIP in 10 starts after acquiring him at the deadline.

Blue Jays at Rays projected starters

RHP Chris Bassitt vs. RHP Aaron Civale

Bassitt went 16-8 with a 3.60 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 over 200 IP last season.

Went 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 12 Ks in 13 IP in 2 starts against Tampa last year
Was 8-4 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.40 WHIP in 16 road starts last year vs. 8-4 with a 2.86 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 17 home starts

Civale was 7-5 with a 3.46 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 8.5 K/9 in 122 1/3 IP with Cleveland and Tampa last season.

Had an abbreviated start in a loss against Toronto Sept. 29 last year, allowing 1 run on 2 H and 2 BB while fanning 3 over 1 1/3 IP
Was 0-1 with a 6.94 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 12.7 K/9 in 5 starts at the Trop last year

Blue Jays 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 12:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Rays -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-200) | Rays -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Blue Jays at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Blue Jays 6, Rays 4

Moneyline

I like the Blue Jays again on Friday. Their bats are eviscerating opposing pitchers right now, and I like Bassitt tenfold over Civale. Six of the 9 Blue Jays in the lineup had hits Thursday, and Civale has allowed 18 of those in 13 1/3 career IP against Toronto.

Take the BLUE JAYS +105.

Run line/Against the spread

There are a couple of wagers I like in this matchup. First, BLUE JAYS -1.5 (+165) is a little on the risky side, but the payout is worth it. The Jays received 3 scoreless innings with 5 Ks from their bullpen Thursday, and it should be in good shape Friday.

On a chalkier note, I also like AARON CIVALE OVER 1.5 EARNED RUNS (-160) as a slam dunk play. He has allowed 9 ER in 13 1/3 career IP (6.08 ERA) against the Jays.

Over/Under

The Over 7.5 cashed Thursday thanks to 8 runs from the Jays. I don’t expect that big of an output Friday, but I still like the OVER 8 (-105).

The Rays’ pen issued 6 walks, and 4 homers combined were hit in Thursday’s game. The pitching matchup isn’t one to write home about either.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays open their seasons with the 1st game of a 4-game set Thursday at Tropicana Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Rays won 7-6 last season

The Blue Jays won 89 games a season ago, and they did very good work on the road, winning 46 of 81. Toronto struggled inside the AL East, however, going just 21-31, which was a major reason it finished 12 games back of the 1st-place Baltimore Orioles.

The Rays rolled up 53 victories in 81 games at home, tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most home victories in the majors. Tampa Bay posted a 31-21 mark inside the AL East, too, while winning 99 games, just 2 games back of the 1st-place O’s.

The Rays were 4-3 in 7 meetings against the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. The Over has cashed in 11 consecutive games in the series, including a perfect 7-0 at Tampa Bay last season.

Blue Jays at Rays projected starters

RHP Jose Berrios vs. RHP Zach Eflin

Berrios (11-12, 3.65 ERA) made 32 starts in 2023. He posted a 1.19 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 through 189 2/3 innings.

2023 road splits: 5-6, 3.97 ERA (99 2/3 IP, 44 ER — 13 HR), 29 BB, 91 K in 17 starts
Last start vs. Rays: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 20-1 road victory May 23, 2023
2023 vs. Tampa Bay: 2-0, 1.50 ERA, 12 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB, 11 K in 2 starts
Career vs. Rays: 3-4, 4.91 ERA (55 IP, 30 ER) in 10 starts

Eflin (16-8, 3.50 ERA) made 31 starts in 2023. He posted a 1.02 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 through 177 2/3 innings.

2023 home splits: 11-4, 3.30 ERA (103 2/3 IP, 38 ER — 11 HR), 14 BB, 120 K in 18 starts
2023 vs. Toronto: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 0 K in 1 start, a 6-3 home victory May 25, 2023
Career vs. Blue Jays: 2-2, 5.64 ERA (22 1/3 IP, 14 ER) in 4 starts and 1 relief appearance

Blue Jays at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:40 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jays +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Rays -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-185) | Rays -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Blue Jays at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 5, Blue Jays 4

Moneyline

The RAYS (-135) are a strong play at home as moderate favorites behind Eflin. He was dominant at the Trop last season, posting 11 of his AL-best-tying 16 wins at home.

Tampa Bay is 3-0 straight up (SU) in the past 3 openers, and it is 3-0 SU in the previous 3 home openers, too. The last time the Rays lost an opener was the COVID-shortened season against the Blue Jays July 24, 2021.

Run line/Against the spread

The Blue Jays +1.5 (-185) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return if you want a little bit of insurance and you just can’t trust Toronto straight up on the road.

It’s a little too expensive, however, costing you nearly 2 times your potential return.

AVOID, and just bet Toronto straight up if you like it.

Over/Under

OVER 7.5 (-110) is a risky play given the fact Berrios was dominant in a pair of quality starts against the Rays, while Eflin was top notch at home, and he shut down the Blue Jays in his only appearance in 2023.

However, we have seen 11 consecutive Over results in this series and 7 straight at the Trop. We’ve had good pitching matchups on tap in this series before, but the offenses have dominated. Until the Over trend dissipates, keep going high when these teams clash.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]