The Cincinnati Reds (7-9) welcome the Tampa Bay Rays (14-3) to Great American Ball Park Tuesday. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Reds lead 1-0.
The Reds have responded well after being swept in Atlanta. They are 3-2 since, having tied the Phillies 2-2 in that 4-game series and taking down the Rays 8-1 in the opener Monday of the 3-game series. Cincinnati is 6-4 at home.
Tampa Bay was the hottest team in baseball and won its 1st 13 games, but has lost 3 of its last 4 and have allowed 5 runs per game over the last 4.
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Rays at Reds projected starters
RHP Taj Bradley vs. RHP Nick Lodolo
Bradley (1-0, 5.40 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He has a 1.2 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 14.4 K/9 in 5 IP.
- This is th 22-year-old rookie’s 2nd career start
- Gave up 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB and 8 K in 5 IP in Ray’s 9-7 win over the Boston Red Sox
Lodolo (2-0, 2.12 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.412 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 14.3 K/9 in 17 IP.
- Reds are 2-1 in his 3 starts; in the lone loss he went 7 scoreless innings with 12 K.
- 1 start vs. Rays: 10-5 Reds win on July 10 with 5 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Rays at Reds odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:53 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rays -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Reds -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+140) | Reds +1.5 (-165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Rays at Reds picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 6, Reds 5
Moneyline
BET RAYS (-115).
While Lodolo has been sharp, the Reds’ bullpen and their hitting consistency haven’t been. They have alternated winning and losing over their last 6 games. In Lodolo’s lone loss, the bullpen let him down, and it hasn’t improved much.
Their relievers rank 18th in ERA at 4.2. The Rays have scored 7 or more in 4 of their last 7 games. After being held to 1 run in the opening game of the series, expect them to get loose Tuesday.
Take RAYS (-115).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
The Rays have struggled the past few weeks, so while their spread odds at (+140) look enticing, they still aren’t worth the risk. Pass on Cincinnati at +1.5 (-165) on the spread as well.
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 9 (-115).
The Reds’ offense has been hot this season, and their bullpen hasn’t followed suit. They are 10-6 O/U and are 3-1 O/U in their last 4.
The Rays have also been electric offensively, posting a 10-5-2 O/U record. Tampa ranks 3rd in hits and 1st in HRs, so while Lodolo has been solid, he will be tested unlike in his previous starts.
Ultimately, considering both teams’ season-long trends, take the OVER 9 (-115).
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