The Tampa Bay Rays (3-0) are set to begin a 3-game series against the Washington Nationals (1-2) on Monday at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting of 2023; these teams haven’t met since 2021.
The Rays made light work of the Detroit Tigers to begin the season, outscoring them 21-3 in their 3-game series. LHP Jeffrey Springs was impressive in his season debut Sunday with 0 ER, 0 H, 12 K and 1 BB in 6 IP.
The Nationals beat the Braves 4-1 on Sunday to prevent the series sweep after being outscored 14-3 in the first two games of the series to begin the season. LHP Mackenzie Gore was solid with 1 ER, 3 H, 6 K and 4 BB in 5 1/3 IP in Washington’s 1st victory of the season.
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Rays at Nationals projected starters
RHP Drew Rasmussen vs. RHP Trevor Williams
Rasmussen notched an 11-7 record in 28 starts during the 2022 season. He finished with a 2.84 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9, and 7.7 K/9 in 146 IP.
- Had 6 IP or more in 5 of his last 6 starts in 2022.
- Had the 16th-best ERA amongst all pitchers with at least 140 IP last season.
Williams registered a 3-5 record in 9 starts during the 2022 season as a member of the New York Mets. He finished with a 3.21 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 in 89 2/3 IP.
- Had just one start (Aug. 20) between July 8 and the end of the season.
- Allowed 1 or 2 ER in each of his final 7 appearances in 2022, although 3 of those outings where more than 4 IP.
Rays at Nationals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:48 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rays -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Nationals +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (-105) | Nationals +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Rays at Nationals picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 5, Nationals 2
Moneyline
PASS.
Even with the Rays (-175) expected to secure the win on Monday, taking them at the current odds isn’t worth the risk. However, I’m fine using Tampa Bay’s money line in parlays if you need to add some juice.
Run line/Against the spread
RAYS -1.5 (-105) is the pick in this contest with Tampa Bay being the far superior team. Rasmussen is poised for another stellar year and the Rays should be able to have success against Williams.
Williams struggled in spring training with a 4.43 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9, and 6 K/9, while also allowing 3 HR in 22 1/3 IP.
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Over/Under
UNDER 8 (-115) is what I’m siding with in this game despite the Rays likely putting up a few runs on Williams. Rasmussen should shut down the Nationals’ lineup and have a chance at a quality start to begin the season.
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