Texas Rangers vs
Tampa Bay RaysPredictions & Preview

Rays Favored to Win Against Rangers in 2025 MLB Showdown at George M. Steinbrenner Field

The 2025 Major League Baseball season continues with the closing game of a series between the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The Rays won the first game 5-1 and are favored to win again with a moneyline of -136. Jack Leiter will start for the Rangers, while Ryan Pepiot will take the mound for the Rays. Despite the Rays' recent success, the Rangers swept a series against them earlier in the season. For more information on this matchup and other MLB picks for Thursday, visit our website.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Rangers +121 | Rays -136
• Spread: Rangers +1.5 (-168) | Rays -1.5 (+147)
• Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tampa Bay will win straight-up is 58%.

Texas vs Tampa Bay Stats

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers struggled at the plate last Tuesday, mustering just four hits and a walk against Drew Rasmussen and the Rays bullpen. Their offensive struggles have been a consistent issue this season, with the team ranking 27th in the MLB in runs scored per game and hitting well below the league average slash line. Despite their offensive struggles, the Rangers bullpen has been performing well, ranking 14th in the majors in ERA over the last 10 days. On Thursday night, Jack Leiter is projected to start for the Rangers. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 4-2 record with a 3.66 ERA and 1.20 WHIP this season and is coming off a strong performance against the Cardinals. Texas is currently ranked 18th in power rankings, excelling in defense but struggling offensively, with a record of 29-33 this season.

Tampa Bay Rays Analysis

The Tampa Bay Rays have been performing well recently, winning three of their last four series and tying with the Houston Astros in a four-game split. They have been strong both offensively and defensively, scoring an average of 4.35 runs per game and giving up only 3.60 runs per game. The Rays bullpen has been particularly effective, with a 2.25 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in the last 10 days. Ryan Pepiot is set to pitch next and has been in excellent form, not allowing a run in his last two starts. Despite a previous rough outing against the Rangers in 2024, he looks to continue his recent success. The Rays currently have a power ranking of 1 and a record of 32-29. The Texas Rangers have recently won two out of three matchups against the Rays.

Ryan Pepiot and Rays Set to Dominate Rangers with Impressive Performances

Ryan Pepiot has demonstrated impressive performance in his recent outings, allowing only five hits and two walks over his last two starts totaling 13.2 innings. With a noteworthy 2.25 ERA in the month of May, Pepiot is expected to continue his excellent form when facing the Rangers. In contrast, the Rangers have struggled against right-handed pitchers, with a .534 OPS and 50 wRC+ over the last 10 days, while the Rays have excelled with a .817 OPS and 137 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers during the same period. Given these statistics, I anticipate Pepiot and the Rays' offense to have a significant impact on the game.

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