Red Sox vs. Rays Odds
| Red Sox Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
+166 | 8 -110 / -110 | +1.5 -122 |
| Rays Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| -198 | 8 -110 / -110 | -1.5 +102 |
The Tampa Bay Rays are undefeated and have a chance to make history with a win Thursday. With a victory, Tampa Bay will tie the 1982 Atlanta Braves and the 1987 Milwaukee Brewers for the longest winning streak to begin a season.
The Rays' chances of joining the 13-0 club are favorable, and the market is all over the Rays as we've seen them jump from -150 to -190 favorites. However, a big part of that line movement has to do with the man on the mound.
Jeffrey Springs will get the ball and he has been impeccable through his first two starts. Of course, it also helps that Corey Kluber will oppose him, and Kluber's stint in Boston has not started well.
So, will the Rays make history? Or will the Red Sox rain on Tampa Bay's parade?
Let's dive in and find out the best way to bet Red Sox vs Rays.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox sub-.500 start is not due to a lack of offense. Wednesday's game was a perfect example of how explosive this lineup can be. Boston put up seven runs on 10 hits, but was playing from behind throughout the entire game.
After an offensive explosion, the Red Sox now have to face Springs. The left hander has been dominant through his first two starts of the season. In fact, he's yet to allow a run and has racked up 19 strikeouts over 13 innings. However, his two starts have come against two of the worst lineups — Detroit and Oakland.
While he's undoubtedly due to regress, history also tells us this Red Sox lineup could knock Springs off his pedestal. Over 47 at-bats, the Red Sox lineup has hit .319 with just seven strikeouts against Springs.
Now, that's not the largest sample size, but some of Boston's best hitters have gaudy numbers. The red-hot Rafael Devers is 3-for-11 with a double, but has an xBA of .341. Kiké Hernandez is 4-for-8 with a double and homer.
So, while Springs has looked untouchable, it's hard to believe the Red Sox won't touch him up in this outing.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have strung together some well-rounded performances to begin the year, but the bats have been otherworldly.
Tampa Bay comes into this game averaging 7.55 runs and 9.36 hits per game. The Rays are also hitting .283 as a team.
This white-hot lineup will get to face Kluber, who has been hit hard through his first two outings of the year. Kluber is in the bottom 20% in average exit velocity, hard-hit rate and barrel rate.
However, his numbers are a bit inflated as he bounced back nicely against Pittsburgh after the Orioles roughed him up. The thing to look for in this outing is his command.
At this stage of his career, Kluber will not overpower anyone. His arsenal is built to create soft contact, but he can only do that if he's able to command the strike zone.
He showed he's still able to do that against the Pirates as he surrendered just three hits and only walked one. The Red Sox will be in a good spot if he can replicate that outing.
Red Sox vs. Rays Betting Pick
Yes, Tampa Bay has been extremely impressive thus far, but a closer look reveals the price is unjustified.
Boston's lineup is potent and has shown it can hit Springs. Springs is taking a big step up in competition and it wouldn't surprise me to see the top of the order do damage.
On the other side, Kluber appeared to have figured some things out in his last start. His arsenal could stifle the Rays' bats if he's able to locate.
This is the ultimate sell-high spot on Tampa Bay. Back the Red Sox to be the first team to put a tally in the Rays' loss column.
Pick: Red Sox Moneyline |
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