The Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays meet on Friday in MLB action at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Here’s a Rays vs Braves Prediction. This article will include a Rays vs Braves Pick.
Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
The Atlanta Braves are 3-9 on the year and play the Blue Jays, Twins, and Cardinals next. The Atlanta Braves are batting .218 on the season, have a .303 OBP, and a .335 slugging percentage. The Atlanta Braves pitching staff has a 4.01 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. Marcell Ozuna leads the Atlanta Braves with 12 hits and 7 RBI, while Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies have combined for 21 hits and 11 RBI.
Bryce Elder gets the ball for the Atlanta Braves, and he is 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA and 3 strikeouts this season. This will be Elder’s second career game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays are 5-7 on the year and play the Red Sox, Yankees, and Diamondbacks next. The Tampa Bay Rays are batting .252 on the season, have a .316 OBP, and a .379 slugging percentage. The Tampa Bay Rays’ pitching staff has a 3.75 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Brandon Lowe leads the Tampa Bay Rays with 13 hits and 8 RBI, while Junior Caminero and Jake Thomas Mangum have combined for 22 hits and 7 RBI.
Taj Bradley gets the ball for the Tampa Bay Rays, and he is 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA and 14 strikeouts this season. This will be Bradley’s second career game against the Atlanta Braves.
Why the Tampa Bay Rays will win
- The Braves have lost each of their last nine road games.
- The Rays have won each of their last nine games against National League opponents following a home loss.
- The Rays have covered the run line in each of their last nine games against National League opponents following a home loss.
- The Braves have failed to cover the run line in 10 of their last 11 games as underdogs against AL East opponents following a win.
- The Braves have trailed after 3 innings in six of their last eight games as underdogs.
- The Rays have led after 5 innings in five of their last six night games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
Why the Atlanta Braves will win
- The Braves have won seven of their last eight night games against American League opponents.
- The Rays have lost three of their last four games as favorites against the Braves following a home loss.
- The Braves have covered the run line in each of their last five road games against American League opponents.
- The Rays have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four games at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
- The Braves have won the first inning in four of their last five road games against American League opponents.
- The Braves have led after 3 innings in each of their last five road games against American League opponents.
- The Braves have led after 5 innings in each of their last seven night games against the Rays.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rays rank 1st in the league for walks allowed this season (28).
- The Rays rank T2nd in the league for triples this season (3).
- The Braves rank T28th in the league for runs scored this season (38).
- The Braves rank 28th in the league for RBIs this season (35).
Rays vs Braves Prediction
The Braves and Rays have underachieved up to this point, and it’s going to be interesting to see which team can get going. With that said, I do believe the Braves are the more talented team and are kind of due for a breakout performance. You’re kind of just waiting for it. Maybe that extra innings win over the Phillies is the shot in the arm the Braves needed. The Rays haven’t looked good offensively or pitching-wise, and it’s led to losses in six of their last seven games. Bradley has been hittable through 48 career starts. The value is with the Braves and the plus money. I’ll take it.