Tampa Bay Rays vs Houston Astros Betting Picks & Predictions
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to take on the Houston Astros in the opening game of a three-game American League series at Minute Maid Park. The Rays, currently fourth in the AL
Game outlook
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to take on the Houston Astros in the opening game of a three-game American League series at Minute Maid Park. The Rays, currently fourth in the AL East with a 98-64 record, will have young right-hander Shane Baz on the mound. The Astros, leading the AL West with a 81-81 record, will have veteran righty Yusei Kikuchi as their starting pitcher. Houston is the favored team in this matchup, with the current betting line at Houston -154.
Betting Odds
Moneyline: Rays +140 | Astros -154
Spread: Rays +1.5 (-156) | Astros -1.5 (+136)
Total: Over/Under 7.5 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 61%.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have been struggling this season, as shown in their recent 6-2 home loss against the Miami Marlins. The lineup had difficulty generating offense, going 7-for-33 with two walks and 14 strikeouts. Despite Christopher Morel's first-inning home run and stolen bases from Josh Lowe and Richie Palacios, the team struggled with runners in scoring position, going just 1-for-10 in those situations. Pitcher Taj Bradley allowed four runs in five innings in the loss. Young pitcher Shane Baz, with a 0-1 record, a 3.66 ERA, and a .250 batting average against him, will be on the mound next. Currently ranked 27th in offense and 17th in defense, the Rays have a 98-64 record this season.