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The Atlanta Braves (38-30) welcome the Tampa Bay Rays (33-38) to Truist Park Sunday for the finale of a 3-game series. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Braves lead 2-0
The Braves stole the first game 7-3 Friday and then dominated yet again 9-2 Saturday. Atlanta has won and covered in 3 straight games, which comes on the back of a 5-game losing streak. The Braves are 33-35 against the spread (ATS) on the season and 21-12 straight up at home.
The Rays have lost 3 of their last 4 games and are 1-3 ATS in that span. They have struggled over the last few series and are 2-7 straight up over their last 9. Tampa Bay is 28-43 ATS on the season. Despite being 5 games under .500, the Rays are 14-15 on the road this season.
Rays at Braves projected starters
RHP Zach Eflin vs. RHP Hurston Waldrep
Eflin (3-4, 4.06 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.15 WHIP, 0.5 BB/9 and 6.6 K/9 in 68 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 5-2 home loss to Chicago Cubs Tuesday
- 2024 road splits: 1-3, 5.02 ERA (37 2/3 IP, 21 ER), 1.25 WHIP, 4 HR, 6.9 K/9 in 7 starts
- Career vs. Braves: 7-3, 3.14 ERA (86 IP, 30 ER), 1.13 WHIP, 7.6 K/9 in 14 starts and 3 relief appearances
Waldrep (0-1, 17.18 ERA) makes his 2nd start. The rookie allowed 7 ER on 4 hits and 4 walks with 1 K in his MLB debut, an 8-5 loss at the Washington Nationals June 9.
- 2024 stats with Triple-A Gwinnett: 0-1, 4.50 ERA (6 IP, 3 ER), 5 H, 1 BB, 11 K in 1 start, a 3-1 loss at Norfolk Tides June 2
- 2024 stats with Double-A Mississippi: 3-4, 2.92 ERA (49 1/3 IP, 16 ER), 1.40 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 9 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.
Rays at Braves odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rays +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Braves -118 (bet $118 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Rays -1.5 (+152) | Braves +1.5 (-184)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Rays at Braves picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 6, Braves 4
Moneyline
BET RAYS (+100).
There’s not a ton of reason to put much faith in Waldrep here. He struggled in his first start as the Braves allowed a total of 8 runs to the Nationals in that loss. While Atlanta is riding 3 straight wins, it has struggled over the last week and is just 3-5 in its last 8.
Meanwhile, the Rays have won 5 straight games in which Eflin has started. Tampa Bay is 3-2 in its last 5 on the road and has only been swept 3 times this season.
Given the pitching advantage, take RAYS (+100).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
As run-line favorites on the road, the Rays are far too risky to play. However, in a similar fashion, the Braves are far too expensive as run-line underdogs despite Waldrep’s struggles.
Over/Under
BET OVER 9 (-115).
The Braves offense has been clicking. They have gone Over in 2 straight and are 4-2-1 O/U in their last 7. Atlanta has tallied at least 6 runs in 3 straight games.
The Rays, who are 36-33-2 O/U on the season, have gone Over in 2 straight and are 6-4-1 O/U in their last 11. Tampa Bay is 2-1 O/U in Eflin’s last 3 starts. Considering those trends, take OVER 9 (-115).
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