Rays vs Rangers Odds - Tampa will outclass Texas
The Rays vs Rangers odds are a tale of two teams flying past each other in the standings – but in opposite directions. The Rays have the best record in the American League since the end of April and are back in the Wildcard race, whereas the Rangers are free falling. Will Tampa pound Texas or will the home-cookin’ give the Rangers a betting boost?
Rays vs Rangers odds: Rays quickly rising back to playoff contender status
- Don’t underestimate Scott Kazmir
- Free-swinging Rangers are a great matchup for David Price
- Rangers’ power bats may get to streaking Jeff Niemann
Friday, July 3, 8:05 p.m. ET
Scott Kazmir (4-4, 7.28) vs Tommy Hunter (0-1, 3.86)
Thanks to the road matchup and Scott Kazmir’s ugly stats, the Rays could provide nice offshore sportsbook underdog value Friday night. Kazmir looked competent in his return from the DL last week and he absolutely dominates the Rangers in his career. He’s 4-0 with a 2.09 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 43 innings over seven starts against them. It seems the young, impatient Texas bats can’t handle the lefty Kazmir’s power arsenal, so he should flourish again in the Rays vs Rangers odds.
Rookie Tommy Hunter pitched decently in his first two starts but those were against San Diego and Oakland, so facing the majors’ top offense is a major step up.
MLB betting pick: Rays
Saturday, July 4, 8:05 p.m. ET
David Price (2-2, 3.93) vs Vicente Padilla (6-4, 4.75)
Promising lefty David Price has a long way to go, but I like Rays vs Rangers odds for him. As electric as his stuff is, he’s seriously struggled to hit the plate all year. Against powerful, patient teams like the Phillies, that really hurt him. However, against the Rangers, his situation is very similar to Kazmir’s. The Rangers are such free swingers that they’re more likely to chase Price’s hard breaking stuff than force him to throw strikes. What’s the over/under on Chris Davis strikeouts for the weekend? 10.5?
We don’t have to pretend Vicente Padilla is relevant in this matchup, do we?
MLB betting pick: Rays
Sunday, July 5, 8:05 p.m. ET
Jeff Niemann (7-4, 3.95) vs Scott Feldman (6-2, 4.09)
The Rays vs Rangers odds conclude with a battle between unsung heroes. After a sparkling June, Jeff Niemann is justifying his status as a first-round draft pick. He’s allowed three or fewer runs in 12 of 15 starts this season. I do, however, think he could get touched up on Sunday. He allows his fair share of homers and power-hitting teams like the Red Sox and Yankees have solved him in MLB betting this season. While the Rangers’ bats are ice cold, they can’t stay that way forever, so the likes of Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz could bet up Niemann.
Scott Feldman is a quality-start machine like Niemann and he’s solid at home, sporting a 3.91 ERA. He’s not overpowering but he’s handled strong lineups like the Yankees and Angels this season, so he won’t be intimidated in the Rays vs Rangers odds. Pick the Rangers to win a close one.
MLB betting pick: Rangers
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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.
