The Tampa Bay Rays (97-59) and Houston Astros (91-65) meet Tuesday to lift the lid on a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The opener is slated for an 8:10 p.m. ET start time. Let’s analyze the lines around the Rays vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.
RHP Michael Wacha is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rays. Through 27 games (21 starts), Wacha is 3-5 with a 5.49 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, and 2.2 BB/9 in 114 2/3 IP.
- Has posted a 6.56 ERA, 1.58 WHIP on the road.
- Owns a 6.12 ERA in the second half.
RHP Jose Urquidy is the scheduled starter for the Astros. He is 8-3 with a 3.56 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, and 1.6 BB/9 in 96 IP over 18 starts.
- Owns a 4.34 ERA since returning from the IL (shoulder) in early September.
- Has posted a 3.23 ERA, 0.92 WHIP in 78 career IP at Minute Maid.
- Threw seven shutout innings against the Rays on May 1.
Rays at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:25 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rays +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Astros -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rays +1.5 (-180) | Astros -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under: 9.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Prediction
Astros 5, Rays 4
Money line (ML)
Tampa Bay enters this series on a four-game win streak. The Rays are a robust 26-12 since Aug. 16. They have a .791 OPS and 3.54 ERA over that span.
The Astros head into this potential playoff preview series on a four-game losing streak. Houston has batted just .160/.264/.272 (.536 OPS) over those four games. Perhaps being back at home will help the scuffling offense: the Astros rank fifth in MLB with a .785 home OPS. They own an .865 OPS at Minute Maid since Aug. 20.
Wacha fits as an under-the-radar starter to leverage in an underdog role. But PASS on any price south of +115 here.
FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
Wacha has been undone by a .329 batting average on balls in play and an 18.7% home run/fly ball rate. Peg a talented Rays team to keep this one close in a low-scoring affair.
TAKE TAMPA BAY +1.5 (-180).
Over/Under (O/U)
Both offenses figure to be too far out over their skis with their on-paper production. With rested bullpens and some sway toward the starting pitchers. BACK THE UNDER 9.5 (-125).
For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]