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The Tampa Bay Rays head to the Southside to take on the Chicago White Sox in the first of a three-game series on Friday night. It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Rays-White Sox prediction and pick.
The Rays stumbled on Thursday, losing to the Oakland Athletics 6-3. It was also a series loss, as they lost three of the four games. Josh Fleming lasted 3 1/3 innings of work, giving up five runs, three earned, on seven hits. Tampa Bay's offense struggled again, managing one run. Aside from Tuesday, the Rays hit three or fewer runs in each game. Additionally, they did not cover the spread in any of the four games against Oakland. It was a mixture of mediocre hitting, pitching, and defense. The Rays are 4-3 this season.
The White Sox lost 5-1 to the Seattle Mariners on Thursday afternoon. The loss prevented Chicago from completing the three-game sweep. Jimmy Lambert lasted three innings, giving up two earned runs. Alas, both runs came in the second inning when Jarred Kelenic hammered a 1-1 fastball to deep right field to put the Mariners up 2-0. In addition to that, the Sox gave up three more runs. Mitch Haniger slammed a two-run bomb to deep left-field in the eighth inning to officially put the game on ice. The White Sox are 4-2 this season.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Rays-White Sox MLB odds:
MLB Odds: Rays-White Sox Odds
Rays: +1.5 (-196)
White Sox: -1.5 (+162)
Over: 8 (-104)
Under: 8 (-118)
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Why The Rays Could Cover The Spread
Tampa Bay has a difficult task ahead of them as they travel from their home to Chicago. Alas, they will send Drew Rasmussen to the mound, hoping he can give them stability.
Rasmussen is 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA this season. The Rays are starting him to see what he can provide them. However, this is his first time facing the White Sox in his fledgling career. He throws a wicked slider that can fool almost any hitter. Although, he will need all his best pitches to contain a White Sox lineup that has hit seven home runs. In addition to that, the Rays must limit walks. Tampa Bay ranks 18th in bases on balls. It is one of the reasons the Rays allowed four or fewer runs one time in four games with the A's. Thus, the Rays have to keep the pitch counts low and not give up free bases.
The Rays will cover the spread if the offense awakens. Similarly, Tampa Bay needs strong pitching from Rasmussen and the bullpen. The Rays must not allow White Sox hitters to slug every pitch they throw. Hence, it starts with Rasmussen. Then, the bullpen must finish hitters off.
Why The White Sox Could Cover The Spread
Chicago has an advantage because of talent and the pitcher taking the mound. Dylan Cease is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 2022. He allowed one earned run in five innings against the Detroit Tigers. However, Cease struggled in his one start against the Sox in 2021. He allowed four earned runs on three hits and four walks. Cease must keep the ball in the yard, limit walks, and not allow Tampa Bay hitters to destroy him.
In addition to Cease, the Sox need their hitters to rise. Specifically, Chicago needs Jose Abreu. Abreu is hitting .278 with no home runs and two RBIs. Thus, Chicago needs him to swing the bat efficiently. The White Sox would love a home run from their longtime star. Additionally, the White Sox must avoid mistakes on defense. They committed two errors in the finale against the Mariners. Furthermore, they must rebound and put that terrible defensive game behind them.
The White Sox will cover the spread if Cease locates his pitches and fools the Rays into swinging and missing. Hence, if Cease can give the Sox a quality start with six innings, then they will be in a position to win. Also, Chicago needs Abreu to mash at the plate. Lastly, if the White Sox can avoid the blunders of yesterday, they will cover the spread.
Final Rays-White Sox Prediction & Pick
Tampa Bay is reeling, having lost three of its four games at home against Oakland. Now, they face a talented White Sox team looking to bounce back from a loss yesterday. Likewise, they face a talented pitcher in Cease while showcasing Rasmussen on the mound. Ultimately, the Sox will master the Rays with their pitching. Also, their bats awaken and take Tampa Bay out of the game early to win and cover the spread.
Final Rays-White Sox Prediction & Pick: White Sox -1.5 (+162)
