Subscribe
Follow Us
This AL East battle should be a good one! It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Rays-Red Sox prediction and pick.
Boston took Game 1 while the Rays bounced back and won Game 2. This rubber match should be interesting as a long-time veteran will go up against a rookie pitcher making his MLB debut. 13 years tell them apart as Corey Kluber is still getting it done at age 36. Brayan Bello debuts for the Red Sox who are looking to fill sports as ace Chris Sale is looming a return. Boston is up by one game on the Rays in the AL East standings and so this proves to be a crucial game for both teams.
Here are the Rays-Red Sox MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Rays-Red Sox Odds
Tampa Bay Rays: -1.5 (+172)
Boston Red Sox: +1.5 (-210)
Over: 9 (+100)
Under: 9 (-122)
*Watch MLB Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
Why The Rays Could Cover The Spread
Kluber is on the bump once again tonight. He's pitching quite well this year with a (3-5) record and 3.91 ERA in 76 innings. His last start wasn't great as he allowed five runs in three innings to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays' offense is elite and so is the Red Sox. If the Rays want to cover this spread they will need Kluber to pitch at least five innings in this one. They can't allow the bullpen to come in early once again.
Offensively, the Rays aren't going to scare anyone but they do get the job done when needed. A bunch of their wins account for their elite pitching behind Shane McClanahan. McClanahan might be the early AL CY Young favorite at this point in the season. The offense needs to step up and if they do you will see the Rays climb the rankings and secure a cushion for second place in the division. Unless the New York Yankees collapse, they should have the division in their hands.
Why The Red Sox Could Cover The Spread
Bello is (10-4) with a 2.33 ERA in 85 innings pitched in for the Portland Sea Dogs this season. The Red Sox prospect is proving his value and seems to be ready for the majors. It was only a matter of time until the Dominican Republic native was wearing a Red Sox uniform. Bello is facing a tough team who is just two years out of a World Series appearance. If Bello can lock in a give the Sox some good innings, then they will have a chance at covering this spread.
Rafael Devers is the name to watch in this game. Devers is batting .327 this year with 17 home runs and 46 RBIs. The entire lineup is stacked with power as Trevor Story, J.D. Martinez, and Xander Bogaerts are all producing as well. Story leads the team in RBIs with 54 and Bogaerts is second on the team with a 3.1 WAR behind Devers' 3.6 WAR. Jarren Duran is back for the Sox and if he continues to play well then he could remain in center field.
Final Rays-Red Sox Prediction & Pick
This isn't an easy pick. The vet vs. the young buck could turn into an offensive showcase. I think the over at nine is the right call to make as both teams should get to these pitchers early.
Final Rays-Red Sox Prediction & Pick: Over 9 (+100)
