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The Detroit Tigers (83-74) welcome the Tampa Bay Rays (78-79) to Comerica Park Wednesday for the 2nd game of a 3-game series. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rays vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tigers lead 3-1
The Rays lost 2-1 to the Tigers in the Tuesday opener.
They entered the series coming off a 3-game sweep of the visiting Toronto Blue Jays Friday through Sunday. Tampa Bay has won 4 of its last 5 games yet is just 5-4 over its last 9. The Rays are 36-40 on the road this season and 80-77 against the spread (ATS) overall.
The Tigers have won 3 straight games, including a 2-1 series win at the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend. Detroit has won 7 of its last 8 games yet still sits in 3rd in the AL Central. It is 40-36 at home and 86-71 ATS overall.
Rays at Tigers projected starters
RHP Zack Littell vs. RHP Keider Montero
Littell (8-9, 3.56 ERA) makes his 29th start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 through 151 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 7 K in 2-0 home victory over Boston Red Sox Thursday
- 2024 away stats: 4-4, 4.45 ERA (64 2/3 IP, 32 ER), 1.45 WHIP, 7.5 K/9 in 13 starts
- Career vs. Tigers: 2-1, 2.81 ERA (16 IP, 5 ER), 1.06 WHIP, 5.6 K/9 in 6 appearances (2 starts)
Montero (6-6, 4.86 ERA) makes his 16th start and 18th appearance. He has a 1.29 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 92 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 1 K in 4-2 home victory over Orioles Sept. 15
- 2024 home stats: 3-5, 4.18 ERA (56 IP, 26 ER), 1.18 WHIP, 6.9 K/9 in 10 appearances (9 starts)
- Has never faced Rays
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 Tigers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rays +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Tigers -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Rays +1.5 (-200) | Tigers -1.5 (+165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Rays at Tigers picks and predictions
Prediction
Tigers 3, Rays 2
Moneyline
BET TIGERS (-125).
The Tigers offense has been more consistent as of late, and with both teams having a solid starting option on the mound, that could be the difference. Detroit has won 7 of its last 8 games, scoring at least 4 runs in 5 of the 8.
Tampa Bay has scored 2 or fewer runs in 4 of its last 6 games; it hasn’t been able to produce offensively. With that in mind, expect Detroit to come out on top, especially with it right on the brink of a Wild Card spot.
Back TIGERS (-125).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
There’s no great option here. The Rays have had 3 of their last 4 games end within 1 run and are far too expensive to play on the run line. Similarly, the Tigers are too risky to take as run-line favorites.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 8 (-115).
The Rays have gone Under in 6 straight games and in 11 of their last 12. They just haven’t consistently produced offensively and have scored 2 or fewer runs in 7 of their last 12 games.
The Tigers have gone Under in 2 straight games and in 4 of their last 6. They have scored a total of just 20 runs over their last 6 games. Considering those trends for both and the capable pitching on the mound, back UNDER 8 (-115).
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