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The Tampa Bay Rays (71-72) and Philadelphia Phillies (85-58) begin a 3-game series Monday. First pitch from Citizens Bank Park is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Phillies odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Phillies won all 3 meetings in 2023
The Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles 2-0 on Sunday behind a strong pitching effort and a key home run. RHP Zack Littell and four relievers combined for a 5-hit shutout, while LF Jonny DeLuca’s 2-run HR in the 6th inning secured the win. This victory marked the Rays’ 1st road series win since Aug. 6-8 in St. Louis and was their 1st in Baltimore since 2021.
The Phillies lost 10-1 to the Miami Marlins on Sunday. RHP Seth Johnson struggled in his MLB debut, allowing 9 ER in 2 1/3 IP (8 H, 3 BB, 0 K). 1B Bryce Harper’s RBI single was Philadelphia’s only run. Despite the loss, the Phillies won the season series 7-6.
Rays at Phillies projected starters
RHP Cole Sulser vs. LHP Cristopher Sanchez
Sulser (0-0, 4.35 ERA) makes his 2nd start and 8th appearance. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 5.2 BB/9 and 9.6 K/9 in 10 1/3 IP.
- Last appearance: No-decision, 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K in 9-4 home victory against Minnesota Twins Wednesday
- Acquired on July 26 from the New York Mets for cash considerations
- Has not pitched more than 2 2/3 innings in any of his 39 appearances between the majors and Triple-A this season
Sanchez (10-9, 3.45 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 159 IP.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 7 K in 4-2 road victory against Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday
- 2024 home splits: 7-3, 2.24 ERA (92 1/3 IP, 27 R (23 ER), 0.96 WHIP, 8.2 K/9 in 14 starts
- Last start vs Rays: No-decision, 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 2 K in 3-1 road victory on July 6, 2023
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 Phillies odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:16 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rays +168 (bet $100 to win $168) | Phillies -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Rays +1.5 (-134) | Phillies -1.5 (+112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -102 | U: -120)
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Rays at Phillies picks and predictions
Prediction
Phillies 6, Rays 2
Moneyline
PASS.
I’ve got the Phillies (-200) taking the opener of this series, but I’ll look to the run line with the more enticing odds to make my bet in this matchup.
Run line/Against the spread
BET PHILLIES -1.5 (+112).
Betting on the Phillies to cover the run line against the Rays on Monday night looks like a solid choice. The Phillies are in a fierce race with the LA Dodgers for the best record in the NL and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. After splitting their recent series with the Marlins and dropping their last 2 games, they really need a win, especially now that they’re back in Philly.
The Rays are throwing out an opener who hasn’t pitched more than 3 innings in any game, which is a big advantage for the Phillies. Sanchez has been on point, allowing just 2 ER per game in his last 4 starts. Plus, the Phillies have won their last 3 games against the Rays and covered the run line every time. With all this, taking the Phillies on the run line seems like a smart play.
Over/Under
PASS.
I don’t love the trends for this game to give a recommendation. The O/U is 5-5 in their last 10 meetings.
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