Pittsburgh Pirates vs
Tampa Bay RaysPredictions & Preview

Rays Roll the Dice as Pirates Visit Florida for First Inter-League Game of the Season

In this Pirates at Rays prediction, both teams will face off in their first inter-league game of the season in Florida. The Pirates struggled in their opening weekend, losing three out of four games to the Marlins in Miami. On the other hand, the Rays won two out of three games against the Rockies while playing at the Yankees' Spring Training complex. The pitching matchup for game one of the series is still undecided, with the Pirates yet to announce their starting pitcher and the Rays going with Shane Baz. The Rays are the betting favorites with the current line at -167. The game is scheduled to start at 7:05 PM EST.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pirates +149 | Rays -167
• Spread: Pirates +1.5 (-140) | Rays -1.5 (+122)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tampa Bay will win straight-up is 63%.

Pittsburgh vs Tampa Bay Stats

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a rocky start to the season, currently holding a 1-3 record despite some close games that could have gone the other way. In their most recent game, they fell 3-2 to the Marlins with the winning run scoring on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth. Andrew McCutchen hit his 800th career extra-base hit in this game, but the team only managed five hits overall. Despite the tough start, the Pirates have received solid pitching, with an overall team ERA of 3.25. Due to injuries and schedule adjustments, they may utilize a bullpen game against the Rays on Tuesday. The team ranks 16th in offense, 17th in defense, and holds a power ranking of 26. Key injuries include 2B Nick Gonzalez, RP Tanner Rainey, and 1B Spencer Horwitz.

Tampa Bay Rays Analysis

In 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays face an interesting year as they play their home games at the Yankees' Spring Training home due to damage to Tropicana Field. The team faces a challenging schedule with a large percentage of early-season home games, making them road warriors down the stretch to contend for a playoff spot. The Rays recently won a series against the Colorado Rockies, with Brandon Lowe hitting a two-run home run in the victory. Pitcher Taj Bradley had a solid performance, earning the win. The Rays will start Shane Baz in the upcoming game against the Pirates, who had a successful return last season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, the team is dealing with several key injuries. The Rays have a power ranking of 12 and are ranked #21 for offense and #7 for defense, with a 3-1 overall record. Despite their success, the Rays will face a tough challenge against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have won two out of their last three matchups against Tampa Bay.

Rays' Baz Ready to Shine Against Pirates, Betting on Victory with Money Line Recommended

Baz demonstrates top-of-the-rotation potential when performing at his best. Having successfully completed Spring Training, he aims to continue his success from the previous year, boasting an impressive ERA of 3.06 in 14 starts with 69 strikeouts in 79 innings. He is set to face a struggling Pirates lineup, offering the Rays a promising opportunity to excel. The Pirates will rely on their bullpen for an extended period, which could prove challenging given their recent workload in tight games against the Marlins. With Baz leading the charge, the Rays are poised for victory on Tuesday night. Betting on the Rays with the money line is recommended.

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