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The Tampa Bay Rays will begin a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles on Friday at Camden Yards at Oriole Park. We're here to share our MLB odds series, make a Rays-Orioles prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.
The Rays are coming off a two-game split with the Oakland Athletics. Unfortunately, they are struggling now, as they are coming off a 2-6 homestand. But they hope the road might give them better results.
The Orioles are coming off a series where they won two of three against the Boston Red Sox. Amazingly, they are 6-1 over their past seven games. Baltimore looks to keep rolling.
This will be the first matchup of the season between the Rays and Orioles. Significantly, the Orioles won 8-5 in 2023. But the Rays won 10-9 in 2022 and 18-1 in 2021. Therefore, they have dominated this series in recent memory and look to keep that going.
Aaron Civale starts for the Rays. He is 2-4 with a 5.72 ERA. Recently, he allowed two earned runs on four hits while striking out five and walking one in a no-decision against the Kansas City Royals.
Albert Suarez starts for the Orioles. He is 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA. Recently, he went just four innings while allowing no runs, two hits while striking out three, and walking two in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox.
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Rays-Orioles Odds
Tampa Bay Rays: +1.5 (-164)
Moneyline: +120
Baltimore Orioles: -1.5 (+136)
Moneyline: -142
Over: 8.5 (-118)
Under: 8.5 (-104)
How to Watch Rays vs. Orioles
Time: 7:05 PM ET/4;05 PM PT
TV: Bally Sports Sun
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Rays Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Rays are much worse this season because their offense has struggled. Unfortunately, they are just 21st in batting average and 18th in on-base percentage. Tampa Bay also ranks 25th in runs, 29th in home runs, and 28th in slugging percentage. Therefore, their best players need to do more.
Yandy Diaz is struggling this season. So far, he is batting just .245 with four home runs, 25 RBIs, and 222 runs. Brandon Lowe came back a few weeks ago after a long injury. Still, he is hitting just .180 with one home run, eight RBIs, and six runs. Isaac Paredes is going everything to keep it together. Ultimately, he is batting .296 with nine home runs, 30 RBIs, and 23 runs. Randy Arozarena is having a career-worst season. Sadly, he is hitting just .161 with eight home runs, 18 RBIs, and 24 runs.
The Rays have also struggled on the mound this season. Sadly, their team ERA is just 22nd in the majors. Their bullpen is not much better. Overall, their relievers rank 24th in bullpen ERA.
The Rays will cover the spread if their lineup can piece together some hits. Then, they need a good outing from their starter and to avoid making mistakes down the heart of the plate.
Why The Orioles Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Orioles remain one of the best teams in baseball because of a powerful offense that keeps going. Significantly, they rank 11th in batting average, sixth in runs, and second in home runs. Baltimore also ranks first in slugging percentage despite only ranking 21st in on-base percentage. Thus, look for the Orioles to try and get runs across the board, with some of their best players making headway.
Gunnar Henderson is batting .258 with 18 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 42 runs. Amazingly, he clobbered a grand slam on Wednesday. Adley Rutschman is hitting .299 with 10 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 29 runs. Also, he is on a three-game hitting streak. Ryan O'Hearn is doing solid work. So far, he is batting .271 with seven home runs, 18 RBIs, and 19 runs. Anthony Santander is powerful but still struggling. Overall, he is hitting .204 with nine home runs, 29 RBIs, and 26 runs. Ryan Mountcastle is also doing solid work. Currently, he is hitting .283 with six home runs, 20 RBIs, and 28 runs.
The Orioles have an amazing pitching staff. Currently, they are fifth in the majors in team ERA. The relievers have been inconsistent. So far, they are 15th in baseball in team ERA.
The Orioles will cover the spread if they can continue to batter the baseball and give their starter numerous runs. Then, they need Suarez to go five innings and give them a better chance to hold the lead.
Final Rays-Orioles Prediction & Pick
The Rays have struggled a lot this season. Additionally, they are 8-9 against their division. But they have also gone 6-4 on the road, showcasing a better ability to win away from home. But they also lost two of three to the Yankees, who are slightly better than the Orioles. If Baltimore wants to show how much they have improved, they will take advantage of Tampa's struggles. Look for the Orioles to stay hot and batter some runs home. Orioles cover the spread at home.
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Final Rays-Orioles Prediction & Pick: Baltimore Orioles -1.5 (+136)
