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The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays are set to get their 2022 season underway with an AL East rivalry battle at Tropicana Field. It's time to continue with our MLB odds series with an Orioles-Rays prediction and pick.
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After being the clear bottom-feeders in 2021, the Orioles figure to finish at the bottom of the barrel in the AL East once again in 2022. The O's ended last year at 52-110, finishing the year 48 games out of the AL East lead. Even worse, they were 39 games behind the fourth-placed Toronto Blue Jays. While their division rivals further improved over the offseason, the O's failed to make any significant acquisitions. The team will lean heavily upon Cedric Mullins in hopes he can enjoy a repeat of his stellar 2021 season and provide a spark offensively. Apart from the All-Star outfielder, however, the O's don't have much star power on the roster.
As for the Rays, they figure to be in the forefront of the race to win the division. In reality, every team but the Orioles has a shot at the AL East crown, but the Rays are the defending champs of the division and will look to repeat atop the standings. The Rays will want to get off to a strong start to the season with lefty Shane McClanahan on the mound for Opening Day. After a 100-win season in 2021, Tampa failed to advance past the Divisional Round after getting taken down by the rival Boston Red Sox. The team has its sights set on the World Series this season and can make a statement with a strong performance in their season opener.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Orioles-Rays MLB odds.
MLB Odds: Orioles-Rays Odds
Baltimore Orioles +1.5 (-137)
Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+114)
Over: 8 (-105)
Under: 8 (-115)
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Why the Orioles Could Cover the Spread
While the Orioles are heavy underdogs against the rival Rays, the perfect chance to stage an upset is under the bright lights of a season opener. The start of the MLB season is always filled with uncertainties, and the Orioles could surprise the Rays and steal a win on the road. With former All-Star John Means set to take the mound for the Orioles, they'll have their most reliable pitcher controlling the game. Last year, Means recorded 3.62 ERA with 134 strikeouts in 146.2 innings. He made 26 starts for the team, leading the club with six wins. McClanahan is set to make his first-ever Opening Day start, so there's a chance he could succumb to the high pressure surrounding the game. If the O's are able to get some good contact early, there's a chance they can rattle the young pitcher and get some runs on the board.
Why the Rays Could Cover the Spread
McClanahan may not boast a ton of experience, but he was excellent last season during his rookie year. McClanahan recorded a 3.43 ERA across 25 starts, fanning 141 batters over 123.1 innings on the mound. After his strong season, he's being rewarded with an Opening Day start, upon which he'll look to deliver with a solid outing. The Rays have a ton of power in the lineup, highlighted by sluggers Wander Franco and Brandon Lowe. Franco is one of the most exciting players in all of baseball and could prove a frustrating out for Means and the Orioles. Lowe is coming off a career-high 39 home runs and will look to showcase his power at the dish once more on Friday. With far more talent at their disposal, the Rays have no excuses for not taking home this win, and they should be able to cover the spread without too much difficulty if they're able to get the bats working early on.
Final Orioles-Rays Prediction & Pick
The two AL East sides will both be looking to start off strong this season, but it's the Rays that will get the job done. Despite it being his first Opening Day start, McClanahan won't let the bright lights get to him. He should handle the Orioles' lineup with relative ease. At that point, it'll be up to the Rays' batters to get the job done against Means and whatever pitchers follow him. We're predicting the Rays to cover the spread and pick up their first win of the 2022 campaign.
Final Orioles-Rays Pick: Rays -1.5 (+114)
