MLB odds: Orioles-Rays prediction, odds and pick
Tampa Bay is a half-game ahead of Baltimore for the final American League wild-card spot. The Rays are third in the AL East at 58-52 with a .500 record in their last 10 games. Baltimore is fourth in division at 58,53 with wins in seven of its last ten games and is in fourth place.
The Orioles were an afterthought heading into the season. After falling 11 games below .500 on June 10, Baltimore went 34-18 over its last 52 games. The presence of veteran right-hander Austin Voth on the mound should inspire optimism. Tampa Bay starter Corey Kluber has a significantly lower ERA for the year at 4.05. However, his production has tailed off recently. The Orioles have an advantage with their relief pitchers. They also have a better batting average and are better at the plate.
The Rays have been able to find some success against right-handed pitching. They rank among the top 10 in the MLB in doubles and walks off righties. Yu Chang and Roman Quinn have had a good start to the season. Kluber has been a better pitcher than Voth for the whole season, but he's still a run and a half better than him.
The Rays haven't been productive enough at the plate to justify taking them on the -1.5 run line. Tampa Bay has a 33-21 record at home, while Baltimore is 25-32 on their road. The Rays are four games below .500 since the All-Star break, whereas the Orioles are 12-7 during this same stretch.
Orioles are the favorite to beat the Rays.
