The Tampa Bay Rays (45-37) and Cincinnati Reds (29-54) open a 3-game interleague series Friday at Great American Ball Park with 1st pitch slated for a 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Reds odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting between the teams since the 2017 season. The Reds lead the al-time series 10-5.
The Rays are continuing what has thus far been a successful road trip through Toronto and Boston. Tampa Bay is 5-1 with an .867 OPS in its last 6 games.
The Reds are coming off a Thursday twin bill against the Pittsburgh Pirates. They lost the opener, but earned a victory in the nightcap. Thursday’s win marked just Cincinnati’s 3rd at home since June 8. The Reds are 3-13 in 16 home games since that date.
Rays at Reds projected starters
LHP Shane McClanahan vs. RHP Luis Castillo
McClanahan (9-3, 1.74 ERA) is tabbed for his 17th start this season. He’s logged a 0.81 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 12.2 K/9 in 98 1/3 IP.
- Has allowed just 3 runs in his last 20 IP with just 2 walks and 28 strikeouts over that stretch.
- Has yielded more than 1 ER just once in his last 10 starts. Owns a 1.09 ERA, 0.73 WHIP over that span.
Castillo (3-4, 3.09 ERA) owns a 1.14 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 through 64 IP in 11 starts.
- Has a 2.49 ERA in his last 7 starts.
- Owns a 3.14 ERA at home since 2020.
Rays at Reds 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 Thursday at 11:34 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rays -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Reds +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
- Run line (RL): Rays -1.5 (+110) | Reds +1.5 (-135)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
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Rays at Reds picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 5, Reds 4
Money line
TAMPA BAY (-160) is the play here. McClanahan is just dominant, and he’s backed by a more rested bullpen.
The Reds are 2-5 in their last 7 series openers.
Tampa Bay is the more battle-tested team; the Rays have played a tougher slate.
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Run line/Against the spread
A PASS is suggested due to the possibility of a low-scoring pitcher’s duel.
Over/Under
This line is worth a watch. Cincinnati hits much better at home and is swung around to its best platoon splits against southpaws. Tampa is swinging hot bats of late. Great American Ball Park is a hitter’s yard. The Over 7.5 is worth a play at -125.
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