The Los Angeles Dodgers (31-20) open a 3-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (37-15) on Friday at Tropicana Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Dodgers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting since Los Angeles won the 2020 World Series 4-2
The Dodgers lost 4-3 to the Atlanta Braves Wednesday. Even with Los Angeles going 5-5 in its last 10 games, it still sits atop the NL West with a 1.5-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Rays defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 on Thursday to give them a 2-game win streak. Tampa Bay is currently 3 games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles for 1st place in the AL East.
Dodgers at Rays projected starters
RHP Noah Syndergaard vs. LHP Jalen Beeks
Syndergaard (1-3, 5.88 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 6.5 K/9 through 41 1/3 IP.
- The Dodgers are 4-5 in his starts
- Has given up 3-plus ER in 5 of his first 9 turns
Beeks (1-2, 4.68 ERA) makes his 6th start and 19th appearance. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 25 IP.
- Is 1-1 with a 7.07 ERA over his 13 bullpen appearances
- Has yet to pitch more than 3 innings in any of his first 5 starts
Dodgers at Rays odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:23 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Dodgers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Rays -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Dodgers -1.5 (+155) | Rays +1.5 (-190)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Dodgers at Rays picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 6, Dodgers 4
Moneyline
It’s hard to bet against Tampa Bay at home this season, so I’ll side with the RAYS (-120) in Friday’s interleague bout. The Rays are 24-5 at home while the Dodgers are 14-13 on the road.
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
Even with the Rays favored to win the game, the Dodgers currently possess the advantage in the run-line department. Taking the Rays with a run of insurance at nearly -200 odds isn’t advised.
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 9 (-115)
Syndergaard has struggled for the Dodgers this season and the Rays lead the league with a 132 wRC+ against right-handed pitching. While Tampa Bay’s bullpen has been dominant this season, Los Angeles has scored 5-plus runs in 8 of its last 10 contests.
The Dodgers are 17-9-1 to the Over in their 27 road games and the Rays are 18-10-1 to the Over in their 29 home games.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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