Atlanta Braves vs
Tampa Bay RaysPredictions & Preview

Braves Look to Bounce Back Against Rays in Series Finale After Tough Start to the Season

The Atlanta Braves (3-10) will wrap up a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (6-7) on Sunday. The Braves lost the first game of the series 6-3 but will look to bounce back. Atlanta is currently last in the National League East, while the Rays are tied for third in the American League East. Both teams will be missing key players on Sunday. This article provides an in-depth prediction for the Atlanta Braves vs. Tampa Bay Rays matchup, with Chris Sale starting for the Braves and Shane Baz for the Rays. Atlanta is the betting favorite with a current line of -125.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Braves -125 | Rays +111
• Spread: Braves -1.5 (+139) | Rays +1.5 (-160)
• Total: Over/Under 7.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Atlanta will win straight-up is 56%.

Atlanta vs Tampa Bay Stats

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves are currently struggling offensively, ranking near the bottom in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and runs scored. Marcell Ozuna is leading the team in several offensive categories, including home runs, RBI, and hits. Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies have also contributed with home runs. On the mound, the Braves are also facing challenges, ranking in the bottom half in quality starts, ERA, WHIP, and batting average against. Spencer Schwellenbach has been a standout performer with a low ERA and high strikeout count. The team will rely on Chris Sale for an upcoming game. Despite a strong defensive ranking, Atlanta has struggled to score runs, resulting in a 3-10 record for the season.

Tampa Bay Rays Analysis

The Tampa Bay Rays are currently ranked 5th in batting average, 10th in on-base percentage, 12th in slugging percentage, and 22nd in runs scored. Brandon Lowe leads the team with three home runs and nine RBI, while Kameron Misner follows with six RBI. Yandy Diaz has struggled with a slow start. On the mound, the Rays rank 4th in Quality Starts and WHIP, and 12th in ERA and batting average against. Taj Bradley leads in wins and strikeouts, while Shane Baz has the best ERA among starters. The team has a power ranking of 13 and is 6-7 overall, with a record of 2-1 against Atlanta in their last three matchups.

Atlanta Braves Struggle Early in Season, Tampa Bay Rays Showing Promise

The Atlanta Braves have encountered challenges early in the season, dropping 10 out of their first 13 games, including a 10-game losing streak on the road dating back to last season. Despite their struggles, the Braves are competing without the presence of key player Ronald Acuna, known for his offensive and defensive prowess. On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Rays have shown promising results, winning four of their last five games against National League opponents. Although the Rays had a slow start to the season with a five-game losing streak, they have won two of their last three games. Atlanta's starting pitcher Chris Sale has had a tough start to the season, allowing 11 runs and 19 hits in 14.2 innings, while Tampa Bay's Shane Baz has given up 10 hits and two runs in 13 innings over two starts this season.

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