Rays vs Tigers Odds - Tigers will feast on slumping Rays
The Rays vs Tigers odds are a battle of the lucky hosting the unlucky. The Tigers can’t seem to give away their AL Central lead thanks to their mediocre divisional neighbors. Meanwhile, the Rays have the unenviable task of surviving the toughest division in baseball betting, the AL East, and they need to be ready for the Red Sox next week.
Rays vs Tigers Odds: Tiger hurlers match up well against Tampa lineup
- Matt Garza never beats Detroit
- David Price is frighteningly bad on the road
- Verlander will top Niemann; Shields will steal a win from Washburn
Tonight, 7:05 p.m. ET
Rays vs Tigers odds: Matt Garza (7-8, 3.74) vs Rick Porcello (10-8, 4.39) More often than not, Matt Garza elevates his game against top teams. He has an ERA under 3.00 against the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies this season. He hasn’t faced Detroit in 2009, but you have to think he’ll bring his “A” game. Then again, tonight could be an exception; he’s winless in five career starts against Detroit. Since Garza is tough to forecast in tonight’s online betting, let’s examine Porcello. He hasn’t faced the Rays before but he’s tough on righties and several of the Rays’ top hitters – B.J. Upton, Evan Longoria, Jason Bartlett – are right-handed. If Porcello can avoid lefty Carlos Pena’s long swing, he’ll pick up a “W.” Rays vs Tigers Betting Edge: Tigers
Saturday, August 29, 4:10 p.m. ET
Rays vs Tigers odds: David Price (6-6, 4.93) vs Nate Robertson (1-0, 7.71) Few pitchers have more radical home/road splits than David Price. The numbers are astounding; 6-2 with a 2.96 ERA at home and 0-4 with an 8.07 ERA on the road. No matter how much you believe in Price’s potential, it’s madness to bet on the Rays when he pitches away from home. Nate Robertson is no prize and he’s never beaten Tampa but, the way Price pitches on the road, Robertson could allow five runs and still win. Bet over the total at your sportsbook and pick Detroit. Rays vs Tigers Betting Edge: Tigers
Sunday, August 30, 1:05 p.m. ET
Rays vs Tigers odds: Jeff Niemann (12-5, 3.87) vs Justin Verlander (14-7, 3.38) What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Rookie Jeff Niemann is 7-3 on the road but Justin Verlander is 7-2 at home. One interesting stat about Niemann; he’s a “bully,” preying on the weak teams but getting roughed up by the big boys, Eight of his 12 wins this season have come against Oakland, Kansas City, Baltimore and Toronto. That stat alone tells us that the rookie hasn’t established himself as a big-game pitcher yet. Don’t get crazy and bet against Verlander. Rays vs Tigers Betting Edge: Tigers
Monday, August 31, 1:05 p.m. ET
Rays vs Tigers odds: James Shields (8-10, 3.81) vs Jarrod Washburn (9-7, 3.23) Finally, the Rays should get a “W.” Jarrod Washburn has struggled as a Tiger, sporting a 5.74 ERA over five starts. He does have an excellent track record against the Rays, going 12-3 lifetime, but James Shields has never lost to the Tigers, with a 2.31 lifetime ERA in four starts against them. The Rays have to win at least one game in this series, don’t they?
MLB betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick The Tigers haven’t scared too many teams of late, but they’re a tough draw for the Rays. They’ll deliver a painful blow to Tampa’s playoff hopes. DALE’S PICK: Tigers to win three of four
Want more sports betting tips? Keep reading the BetOnline.com’s Betting Edge section. For more on the Rays vs Tigers matchup, check out our stats section. Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
