Zach Eflin will take the mound for the Rays to close out this interleague series with the Braves on Sunday afternoon. It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Rays-Braves prediction and pick.

Rays-Braves Projected Starters 

Zach Eflin vs. Hurston Waldrep

Zach Eflin (3-4) with a 4.06 ERA and 1.15 WHIP

Last Start: Zach Eflin allowed two runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings in a no-decision Tuesday against the Cubs. He struck out three.

2024 Road Splits: Zach Eflin had some trouble on the road this season with a 1-3 record and 5.02 ERA, giving up 9 runs on 18 hits over his last three road starts.

Hurston Waldrep (0-1) with a 17.17 ERA and 2.18 WHIP

Last Start: Hurston Waldrep was touched up for seven runs while striking out only one over 3.2 innings against the Nationals, but he had cruised through the first three frames before unraveling in the fourth.

2024 Home Splits: Waldrep only had one start on the road in his big league debut where he has a 17.18 ERA and 2.18 WHIP.

Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Rays-Braves Odds

Tampa Bay Rays: -1.5 (+146)

Moneyline: +100

Atlanta Braves: +1.5 (-176)

Moneyline: -118

Over: 9 (-114)

Under: 9 (-106)

How to Watch Rays vs. Braves

Time: 1:35 PM ET/10:35 AM PT

TV: Bally Sports Southeast, Bally Sports Sun, MLB Extra Innings

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Rays Will Cover The Spread/Win

The upcoming matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Atlanta Braves on Sunday promises to be an intriguing contest, with Zach Eflin taking the mound for the Rays and Hurston Waldrep pitching for the Braves. Eflin and the Rays have the edge in this road game.

Zach Eflin has been a reliable starter for the Rays this season, boasting a 3-4 record with a 4.06 ERA over 29.1 innings pitched. Eflin’s ability to control the game is evident in his impressive WHIP of 1.15, indicating his knack for limiting baserunners. His recent performances have been solid, including a standout game against the Yankees where he pitched six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out six. Eflin’s experience and consistency make him a formidable opponent for any lineup.

On the other hand, Hurston Waldrep, a promising rookie for the Braves, has shown potential but struggled in his MLB debut. Waldrep allowed seven earned runs over 3.2 innings against the Nationals, resulting in a high ERA of 17.18. While Waldrep has a powerful arm and impressive stuff, his inexperience at the Major League level could be a significant disadvantage against a disciplined Rays lineup.

The Rays’ offense, led by Yandy Diaz and Randy Arozarena, has the capability to exploit Waldrep’s inexperience. Diaz, with a .259 average and on an 8-game hitting streak, and Arozarena, known for his clutch hitting, provide a balanced attack that can challenge the young pitcher.

The combination of Eflin’s seasoned pitching and the Rays’ potent offense gives Tampa Bay a clear advantage over the Braves and their rookie pitcher Waldrep. Expect the Rays to capitalize on this matchup and secure a road victory.

Why The Braves Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Atlanta Braves are set to face the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, with Hurston Waldrep taking the mound against Zach Eflin. Waldrep and the Braves are poised to secure a victory on the road.

Hurston Waldrep, the Braves' second-ranked prospect, has shown immense potential since being drafted out of the University of Florida. Despite a rocky MLB debut, Waldrep's arsenal is impressive, featuring an upper-90s fastball, a devastating splitter, and a promising slider. His splitter, in particular, has been a standout pitch, generating a 63% swing-and-miss rate and a 45% chase rate during his college career. Waldrep's ability to strike out batters is evident, as he led Division I pitchers with 156 strikeouts in his final college season. His raw talent and potential to dominate on the mound make him a formidable opponent.

On the offensive side, the Braves boast one of the most potent lineups in baseball. With players like Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Marcell Ozuna, the Braves have consistently demonstrated their ability to produce runs and hit for power. The Braves' offense has been a juggernaut, leading the league in several key categories, including home runs and OPS.

Zach Eflin, while a solid pitcher for the Rays, has had mixed results this season with a 3-4 record and a 4.06 ERA. Eflin's history against the Braves is also a factor, as he has a career ERA of 3.14 against them, but has shown vulnerability in past matchups. The Braves' powerful lineup is well-equipped to exploit any mistakes Eflin might make.

Waldrep's electric stuff and the Braves' explosive offense give Atlanta a significant edge in this matchup. Expect the Braves to leverage their strengths and secure a road victory against the Rays.

Final Rays-Braves Prediction & Pick

This should be a good matchup on Tuesday in this series finale in Atlanta as the Rays look to avoid getting swept for a second time in two weeks against the Braves. The Braves were able to take the first two of this three-game series putting them in a prime position to keep their momentum going heading into the series finale. While Waldrep is coming off a rough MLB debut, he should have a good chance at rebounding on Sunday. Ultimately, expect this game to be a pitcher's duel throughout with the Braves just doing enough to get the win in their home stadium.

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Final Rangers-Dodgers Prediction & Pick: Atlanta Braves ML (-118), Under 9 (-106)