Atlanta Braves vs
Tampa Bay RaysPredictions & Preview

Braves vs. Rays Set to Clash in Weekend Series: Can Atlanta Break Their Losing Streak?

The Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays are set to face off in a three-game series starting on Friday night. The Braves, coming off a series with the Phillies, will start AJ Smith-Shawver while the Rays, finishing up with the Angels, will start Taj Bradley. The first pitch is set for 7:05 EST. Stay tuned for our Braves vs. Rays prediction and betting odds.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Braves +105 | Rays -119
• Spread: Braves +1.5 (-190) | Rays -1.5 (+165)
• Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tampa Bay will win straight-up is 54%.

Atlanta vs Tampa Bay Stats

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have started the season with a disappointing 2-9 record, placing them at the bottom of the NL East. Despite this slow start, there is hope with the return of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider working his way back to the team. In Wednesday's game, Austin Riley hit a home run in the 7th inning, but the Braves still lost 4-3. Riley has been a consistent performer for the team, leading in home runs and RBIs. Marcell Ozuna also continues to be a key player with his productive hitting. AJ Smith-Shawver will make his third start of the season, with an 0-2 record so far. The Braves rank 28th in offense and 14th in defense, scoring an average of 3.09 runs per game and allowing 4.09 runs against them per game. Despite their current position, it is still early in the season and there is opportunity for the Braves to turn things around and start winning.

Tampa Bay Rays Analysis

The Tampa Bay Rays struggled with team home runs earlier in the season but broke out with two home runs in a crucial 5-4 win. Jose Caballero hit his first home run of the season and Yandy Diaz ended his slump with a homer in the 7th inning. The Rays, currently sitting at 23rd in the league in homers, will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming series against Atlanta. Caballero, who plays multiple positions, was a key contributor with a grand slam in the win. Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero are young players showing potential, while Brandon Lowe has been a standout hitter for the team. Taj Bradley will make his third start of the season as a promising young right hander. The Tampa Bay Rays have a power ranking of 13 and are ranked #16 in offense, #3 in defense, with an overall record of 5-7. Atlanta recently went 1-2 in their matchups against Tampa Bay.

Atlanta Braves Face Offensive Struggles as Tampa Bay Rays Enter Series as Favorites

The Atlanta Braves are currently facing challenges in the early stages of the season. Despite their anticipation for the return of players like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr., the team has struggled with offensive performance. With only one player hitting more than one home run, and defeats against prominent teams like the Padres and Dodgers, the Braves have yet to secure a series win. Adding to their concerns is the performance of pitcher Smith-Shawver, who holds a 0-2 record and an elevated ERA of 5.19. In contrast, the Tampa Bay Rays have displayed improved offensive output in their recent game and will aim to continue this momentum in their upcoming match against the Braves. As a result, it is advisable to consider Tampa Bay as the favored team for victory in the opening game of the series.

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