Odds, Picks and Predictions
The Tampa Bay Rays (56-49) and Detroit Tigers (42-65) prepare to battle in a Friday night matchup. Friday’s game represents Game Two of a four-game set between these teams. The Rays won Game One by a final score of 6-2.
Overall, the Rays have won three of their past five games but are just 4-6 over the course of their past ten contests. They are in third place in the AL East but sit 13.5 games behind the first-place Yankees. Tampa Bay would benefit greatly from a strong series in Detroit.
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ poor season continues. They are 3-7 over their past ten games overall. The Tigers enter this affair sitting in last place in the AL Central.
But they will aim to upset the odds at home in this one.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM EST on Friday, August 5th, at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.
Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers Info
Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Date: Friday, August 5th, 2022
Time: 7:10 PM EST
TV: MLB.TV, Bally Sports
Top Sportsbooks Odds
Betting Trends
- The Tampa Bay Rays are 48-57 against the run line so far this season.
- The Detroit Tigers are 48-59 against the run line so far this year.
- The Rays are 26-28 against the run line when playing on the road.
- The Rays are 24-30 against the run line when playing at their home ballpark.
- Detroit is 41-45 against the run line as an underdog this year.
- Tampa Bay is 25-45 against the run line as a favorite this year.
Betting on Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays enter this game with high expectations. They took care of business in Game One and will look to do the same on Friday.
Jeffrey Springs led Tampa Bay to their Thursday win.
The right-hander spun six quality innings of two-run baseball. Both runs scored were unearned. He added six strikeouts while issuing no walks in an all-around solid performance.
Offensively, Brandon Lowe finished with three hits, three RBIs, and a home run. He was DH’ing in the game, and the pure focus on hitting obviously paid off.
Randy Arozarena is 4-5 with a pair of RBIs and a stolen base in the Rays’ win.
However, Tampa Bay’s offense hasn’t been quite as dynamic this season. They are 23rd in runs scored, 21st in batting average, 22nd in OBP, 23rd in slugging percentage, and 24th in home runs. Their lineup has struggled this year without question.
But perhaps Thursday’s effort will set them in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the Rays are fourth in team ERA, fourth in WHIP, 18th in home runs allowed, and sixth in batting average against.
RHP Corey Kluber (7-6, 4.03) is the scheduled starter for Tampa Bay in this game. Kluber isn’t the Cy Young pitcher he once was, but he’s still capable of producing impressive results. He is also familiar with Comerica Park since he spent plenty of time pitching there during his time with the Guardians.
Kluber will look to lead the Rays to a win on Friday in Detroit.
Betting on Detroit Tigers
The Tigers continue to falter. There were many who expected this ball club to make a playoff run in 2022. Instead, they find themselves in the AL Central cellar entering Friday.
Drew Hutchison started for Detroit in Thursday’s loss. He surrendered four runs (two earned) over six innings. All in all, it wasn’t a terrible outing.
But it wasn’t enough to help the Tigers earn a win. Javier Baez set the tone on offense with two hits and an RBI. However, Detroit’s lineup labored overall.
And that has been an ongoing narrative in 2022. The Tigers rank 27th in batting average, 29th in OBP, 30th in slugging percentage, 30th in runs scored, and 30th in home runs. This lineup is nothing short of abysmal.
The Tigers are 20th in team ERA, 17th in WHIP, fifth in home runs allowed, and 16th in batting average against. Detroit’s pitching has performed fairly well. But the offense hasn’t had their back.
Bryan Garcia (0-0, 4.91) will start for Detroit. He may have a sneaky good start against the Rays’ underwhelming lineup.
Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions
Betting on the Rays seems like the right move. But the Tigers could upset the odds.
From an over/under perspective, I like rolling with the under. Neither of these offenses stand out in any manner. Additionally, the Tigers tend to hit the under on most occasions.
The only way this game goes over on the total is if the Rays’ lineup explodes and posts a crooked number. But I don’t expect that to happen.
Take the under on the total.
The Rays and Tigers have both labored against the run line this season. Neither of them has been able to cover on a consistent basis.
Some people may be tempted to take Detroit as a home underdog. After all, they just need to lose by one run. But the Rays should be able to pull away and earn a multi-run victory.
So go ahead and roll with Tampa Bay as the spread selection. And as a result, take the Rays on the moneyline as well.
The Rays should be in line to win this game. Corey Kluber’s veteran prowess on the hill could lead to a frustrating night for Detroit’s hitters. And the Rays lineup will likely find success against Detroit’s pitching staff.
The Picks:
- Go ahead and take the Tampa Bay Rays on the moneyline.
- Take the under on the total in this game.
- Roll with the Rays -1.5 to cover the run line.
Prop bets:
Take the over on Corey Kluber’s strikeout total. Kluber isn’t a great strikeout pitcher anymore, but he is facing an extremely underwhelming lineup.
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