Rays vs. Tigers Odds
| Rays Odds | -175 |
| Tigers Odds | +145 |
| Over/Under | 8 (-120 / +100) |
| Time | 7:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. | |
The Tampa Bay Rays open a four-game road series against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday night, and the Rays hope to break out of the funk they've found themselves in.
Tampa Bay is 3-7 in its last 10 games and is losing its footing in the AL Wild Card race. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers continue to trudge along in one of the more disappointing seasons in MLB.
With only a one-game lead on the final wild card spot, the Rays look to take advantage of a soft matchup and give themselves some breathing room over the next four games in Detroit.
Tampa Bay Rays
Jeffrey Springs will open the series on the mound for the Rays, and he's put together a solid 2022 season. Springs will be pitching in his less-favorable split on the road, where he's posted a 3.11 ERA with a 3.52 FIP. These are respectable numbers, but Springs has struggled recently, posting a 5.32 ERA over his last 5 starts.
Additionally, the Rays offense is not a juggernaut on the road. Tampa Bay has posted a 102 wRC+ during the past two weeks against right-handed pitching on the road.
The Rays bullpen has been solid and should be able to limit the Tigers offense if they get something going. However, it's worth noting that the Rays pen has one of the higher FIPs as a unit during the past couple of weeks.
Tampa Bay has battled injuries all throughout the roster, which has thinned out the team considerably — especially in the bullpen and on offense.
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers find themselves in the midst of a five-year tailspin, and this season has been an utter disaster. However, Detroit still has pride to play for and that makes it a pretty dangerous team in the second half.
The Tigers offense has been surprisingly potent against left-handed pitching, and it also has been the best home offense against left-handed pitching over the past 30 days. With Jeffrey Springs on the mound for the Rays, the Tigers have a huge advantage heading into Thursday's game.
Drew Hutchinson gets the start for the Tigers today, and he's struggled in a starting role this season. In 34 innings as a starter Hutchinson has posted a 4.50 ERA with a 4.32 FIP. The Tigers have also been ravaged by injuries, so Hutchinson has served his purpose as an innings-eater.
The Tigers bullpen has been a bright spot this season. After dealing Michael Fulmer and no one else, Detroit's relievers are still a solid unit overall. If the game is tight, they can be trusted to keep Detroit in striking distance.
Rays vs. Tigers Pick
Considering the faults of both pitchers and the competencies of both offenses, the total of 8 runs seems like an achievable number for both teams. With both starting pitchers struggling and a nice weather day on the horizon in Detroit, both offenses should produce ample scoring opportunities.
The total is set at 8 and the over is at -115 odds. That should be the play in this matchup as both teams likely see this as an opportunity to get in the win column.
Over 8 runs should be played to -120 or better, but if 8.5 comes in the picture at or near plus money, go for it.
Pick: Over 8 (-115)
