Rays vs Rangers Prediction, Odds & Picks (July 19)

The Texas Rangers aim to sweep the Tampa Bay Rays when they meet for their three-game series’ finale on Wednesday. Tampa Bay generated little offense through the first two Rays vs Rangers matchups, leaving time to tell if that trend continues today at Globe Life Field.

5 in a row! #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/zbukCNpqxb

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 19, 2023

The Rangers beat the Rays for the second straight night in the form of Tuesday’s 5-3 victory. Texas starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi held Tampa Bay to two hits over six scoreless innings as Marcus Semien and Corey Seager led the offensive charge, combing for four hits, two home runs, and four RBIs.

Do the Rays have what it takes to avoid getting swept in Arlington? Or will the Rangers further impress with their sixth straight win out of the MLB All-Star Break?

Here’s a look at everything you know heading into this afternoon’s Rays vs Rangers clash, from the latest betting odds to a prediction with the best betting recommendation, courtesy of Betting News.

Tampa Bay Rays vs Texas Rangers Game Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Rays (60-38, 25-23 Away) vs. Texas Rangers (57-39, 32-18 Home)
• Venue & Location: Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas)
• Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2023
• Game Time: 2:05 p.m. Eastern Time
• Where to Watch Rays vs Rangers: Ball Sports Sun, Bally Sports Southwest, MLB Network, MLB.TV

Rays vs Rangers Odds

Game odds as of Wednesday, July 19 at 10:20 a.m. ET from Bovada. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 (-195)
• Texas Rangers -1.5 (+165)

Over/Under

• Over 9.5 Runs (-105)
• Under 9.5 Runs (-115)

Moneyline

• Tampa Bay Rays +100
• Texas Rangers -120

Rays vs Rangers Starting Pitchers

• Rays: Zack Littell (14 games/2 starts —0-1, 6.05 ERA)
• Rangers: Jon Gray (17 starts —6-5, 3.45 ERA)

Rays vs Rangers Betting Trends

• Tampa Bay is 3-10 straight up in its last 13 games.
• Texas is 5-1 straight up in its last six home games.
• The total has hit the under in seven of Tampa Bay’s last nine games played in July.
• The total has hit the under in for of Texas’ last five games against the AL East.
• The total has hit the under in each of the last five Tampa Bay-Texas matchups at Globe Life Field.

Rays vs Rangers Game Preview

This series has done a good job of highlighting the fact that these teams are heading in opposite directions.

On one hand, the Rangers have been perfect since coming out of the all-star break, winning each of their last five games. What’s impressive is their level of dominance over this run, winning those games by an average run margin of plus-2.8.

On the other hand, the Rays — who were once the best team in the MLB — are trending downward. Before playing their first game in July, they sat atop the AL East with a 6.5-game lead. Fast forward to today and the Rays lead is down to just one game after losing 10 of their last 13 outings.

If the Rays’ bleeding is to be stopped, starting pitcher Zack Littell needs a strong showing. The former 2013 11th-round pick has been mostly used as a reliever this season, going 0-1 with a 6.05 ERA in 14 appearances (two starts). He doesn’t tend to last long as a starter, only pitching four total innings (with a 4.50 ERA) in the role.

Zack Littell will be opener for #Rays on Wednesday vs. #Rangers

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 19, 2023

It’s going to be interesting to see which version of Jon Gray is on the mound for Texas. Overall, the veteran hurler has been solid throughout his ninth MLB campaign, going 6-5 with a career-best 3.45 ERA and 1.152 WHIP over 17 starts.

Having said that, Gray has actually been worse at Globe Life Field than he has been on the road. He owns a 4.47 ERA and 1.261 WHIP over the course of nine home starts compared to his 2.31 ERA and 1.029 WHIP in eight road appearances.

Even if Gray isn’t at the top of his game, Tampa Bay’s bats haven’t exactly looked dangerous during this Rays vs Rangers series. The Rays have been held to five total runs on 11 hits while being struck out 10 times.

Another trend that doesn’t work in the Rays’ favor is that they’re only 5-10 as the underdog in 2023. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 38-25 in the favorite role and have a solid 32-18 record at home this season.

Rays vs Rangers Prediction and Picks

Rays vs Rangers Prediction: Rangers 6, Rays 4

Rays vs Rangers Best Bet: Rangers ML (Best Value: -120 ) & Corey Seager to Over 1.5 Total Bases (-105)

The Rays are better than their recent record implies, however, I’m taking the Rangers to win and complete the sweep. Texas has been terrific since the all-star festivities and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. As long as Gray has a competent performance, he can easily out-duel Littell, further improving his team’s chances of victory.

Another strong Rays vs Rangers bet is taking Corey Seager to record over 1.5 total bases (-105). Seager has been a menace lately, batting .357 with four home runs and nine RBIs in his last 14 games (56 at-bats). He racked up 38 total bases in those contests, finishing with the over on this prop nine times — including last night with four.

Given Littell’s inconsistencies on the mound, the Rangers shortstop has a great opportunity to come through on this prop again.

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