Rays vs Tigers Betting Odds: Struggling Detroit Playing Out the String

The Detroit Tigers will host the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game set, starting Friday. For the series opener, Tampa Bay is -1.5 (+120) on the run line and a -134 favorite to win outright, with Detroit priced at +123. The projected total is 9, with the Over juiced to -105/-115.

Read on as we break down the Rays vs Tigers betting odds in our series preview.

Same Old, Same Old for Tigers

The perpetually rebuilding Detroit Tigers are in the midst of another lost summer. They are 48-60, 6.5 games behind the first-place Minnesota Twins in the American League Central and 11.5 games out of the wild card.

Pitcher Michael Lorenzen, the Tigers’ lone All-Star representative, was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday for second base prospect Hao-Yu Lee. General manager Scott Harris also had a deal in place to ship Eduardo Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the left-hander evoked his no-trade clause to squash the move and remain in Detroit. Rodriguez, 30, has been the Tigers’ best starter this season, going 7-5 with a 2.96 ERA per MLB stats.

With the trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, there’s not much else for Tigers fans to look forward to besides prospect development. The focus remains largely on first baseman Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in 2020. Torkelson has displayed potential, with 15 home runs and 59 RBI in 404 at-bats, but strikeouts continue to be an issue.

Detroit’s lineup has been poor overall, ranking bottom 10 in runs scored (28th), home runs (26th), and batting average (27th).

Rays Pitching in Flux

The Tampa Bay Rays have fallen 1.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East but remain comfortably atop the wild card with a record of 66-45.

The Rays didn’t do much to bolster their offense at Tuesday’s trade deadline, nor did they need to. They still rank fourth in MLB in both runs scored and homers and own a plus-137 run differential. Instead, they upgraded their pitching, trading for veteran right-hander Aaron Civale.

Tampa Bay’s rotation is in flux at the moment. Ace left-hander Shane McClanahan is slated to undergo testing after experiencing tightness in his left forearm during Wednesday’s 7-2 loss to the New York Yankees. McClanahan, who spent time on the 15-day injured list last month with back tightness, was among the AL Cy Young frontrunners. His odds have since dropped to +1000.

The Rays remain near the top of the MLB power rankings. However, losing McClanahan for an extended stretch would be devastating to their long-term outlook. For now, they’re still a +325 co-favorite in the AL with the Houston Astros. Their World Series odds are +650.

Odds Outlook

Detroit has been among the more profitable teams for bettors, with a 56-52 record against the run line. However, it is just 25-27 ATS at home compared to 31-25 on the road. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is 56-55 ATS but has covered 49.1% of the time away from home. Keep that in mind when assessing the Rays vs Tigers betting odds.

Olson is 1-4 with a 4.71 ERA in 11 appearances (eight starts) as a rookie. Home runs (eight allowed in 49.2 innings) have been a problem for the 24-year-old right-hander. He’ll oppose Littell, who has logged a 4.39 ERA in 15 appearances since being claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox in May. This will be only his fifth start this season.

Tarik Skubal has a 4.57 ERA in five starts since returning from a left flexor tendon surgery. Detroit continues to bring him along slowly, as he’s thrown five innings just once. The left-hander has 27 strikeouts in 21.2 innings. He faces Civale, who will be making his first start as a Ray after being acquired Monday from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for first baseman Kyle Manzardo. Manzardo was ranked by MLB Pipeline as Tampa Bay’s fourth-best prospect and No. 37 overall in MLB. Civale has been solid, going 5-2 with a 2.34 ERA.

Glasnow was named the AL Pitcher of the Month for July after going 3-2 in six starts with a 2.11 ERA. He struck out 51 over 38.1 innings and is averaging 12.6 K/9 innings for the season. Detroit has yet to name a starter opposite him, which could affect the Rays vs Tigers betting odds.

For baseball scores, odds, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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