MLB Odds: Red Sox-Rays prediction, odds and pick

The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are playing each other in an American League East showdown this evening. Boston have lost three straight to Tampa, but they are still in third place in the AL East. The Red Sells are sending out right-hander Kutter Crawford to try and avoid a four-game sweep. Tampa will call upon righty Drew Rasmussen.

The Red Sox are on a losing streak and have lost seven of their last nine games. They are playing at Tropicana Field on Thursday. The team is struggling to score runs. Kutter Crawford is expected to start for the Red SOx. He is coming off an impressive outing against the Yankees. The Red Sides are the 14th-best team in the league with an ERA of 3.83. Boston is third in batting average and has a healthy on-base percentage at .322.

The Rays were beaten by the Reds less than a week ago. Tampa Bay has since moved on and dismantled the Red Sox in the series.

Tampa Bay leads the season series against the Red Sox 7-2. The Rays scored three runs in the opening four innings of play en route to the victory. Tampa Bay's offense has been a struggle at times, but the team's pitching has limited Boston to three goals in two games. Rasmussen gave up zero runs and six punchouts in his last appearance.

The Red Sox and Rays are playing a crucial game in the month of July. Boston is the more desperate team and should give the Rays a run for their money.

The final MLB prediction and pick is Red Sox +1.5.