Chicago Cubs vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction 5-31-23 MLB Picks

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago Cubs meet in MLB action from Wrigley Field on Wednesday afternoon. Let’s dive into the odds, starting pitching matchup, history and make a prediction for this game.

Odds

Tampa Bay is listed as a -135 road favorite while Chicago is a +115 home underdog. The total for this game is set at 8.5 runs.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Zach Eflin will get the start for Tampa Bay and is 7-1 with a 3.17 ERA and 52 strikeouts this season. Justin Steele will start for the Cubs and is 6-2 with a 2.77 ERA and 57 strikeouts this season.

Matchup History

Chicago’s 2-1 win on Tuesday made it back-to-back wins for the Cubs in this head-to-head matchup over Tampa Bay.

Trends

Tampa Bay is 39-17 in their last 56 games overall and 2-5 in their last 7 road games while the over is 15-3 in their last 18 games overall. Chicago is 5-11 in their last 16 games against the AL East and 0-5 in their last 5 game three matchups while the over is 15-5-1 in their last 21 games overall.

Pick

I’m backing the Rays here. Tampa Bay’s been hard luck losers with some narrow losses in this series, but they’ve been hitting lefties well and Justin Steele hasn’t been the same pitcher that he was to start the season, especially at home. I just think the Rays are the better team here and they keep finding ways to win with Zach Eflin on the bump. Give me the Rays.