Rays, Halos Finish Series at the Big A
In two games between the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels, fans have witnessed five combined home runs from a pair of former MVPs, a righty crushing a homer while batting left-handed, and a rookie pitcher tossing a no-hitter. Now, the two playoff contenders will meet in Anaheim for the third and final time in 2022.
Let’s check the latest MLB picks, stats, injury reports, and MLB odds for Rays vs Angels. We’ve plenty of MLB predictions.
Rays Desperate to End Series on a High Note
The Tampa Bay Rays were coming off of a week to remember, ripping off six straight wins before falling by a single run in extra innings; however, their trip to Southern California has been marred by two blowout losses, dropping them four games back of the first-place New York Yankees.
Despite the recent lackluster offense, Tampa Bay is still ninth in MLB in batting average (.240) and seventh in runs scored (133). The Rays also lead the American League with 24 stolen bases, however, the 2020 AL champs have seen their ERA and WHIP balloon to 3.82 and 1.16.
Wednesday’s starter Shane McClanahan is keeping the Rays from being decisive underdogs in the latest MLB odds. The 25-year-old lefty has anchored Tampa’s rotation to the tune of a 3.06 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts in 32.1 innings.
Angels Continue Dream Season
Few pundits gave the Los Angeles Angels a postseason shot heading into 2022; however, the Halos have continued to fend off the surging Houston Astros in the American League West with six wins in their last seven contests. The last two wins combined an epic display of hitting and pitching.
With double-digit runs on Monday and Tuesday, the Angels lead MLB with 162 runs and 44 homers. They’re also top-five in batting average (.251), OBP (.328), and slugging percentage (.432). Yet LA’s biggest improvement has been on the mound, where its 3.39 ERA and 1.10 WHIP rank eighth and fourth respectively.
Two nights after hitting his first career grand slam, Shohei Ohtani will start Wednesday’s series finale on the mound. The 2021 AL MVP has a 3.08 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts, to five walks in 26.1 innings.
Rays vs Angels Head-to-Head
If your MLB picks this week included a couple of Los Angeles Angels blowouts, you’re doing alright. The Angels beat the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 11-3 on Monday thanks to two homers from Ohtani and another from Mike Trout. Then on Tuesday, 22-year-old Reid Detmers tossed the first solo no-hitter of 2022 in LA’s 12-0 victory.
LA’s dominance against Tampa is a swift departure from last season. The Rays took six of seven games against the Halos in 2021, including all four games in Anaheim
Rays vs Angels Game Information
- Game: Rays (18-13) vs Angels (21-11)
- Location: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
- Day/Time: Wednesday, May 11, 7:07 p.m. ET
- Rays vs Angels Streaming: MLB.tv
Rays vs Angels Betting Lines
Rays vs Angels Prediction
Despite out-scoring the Tampa Bay Rays by 20 runs across two games, the Los Angeles Angels are just -123 favorites according to recent MLB lines. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is +113.
Additionally, the odds point to a lower-scoring contest with McClanahan and Ohtani on the hill. Wednesday’s matchup has an Over/Under of 7, with the Under placed at -110.
Both teams have an off day on Thursday, so managers Kevin Cash and Joe Maddon should still deploy their full lineups. That’s a huge edge for Maddon’s Angels, who are firing on all cylinders offensively. Meanwhile, the Rays have lost the red-hot Manuel Margot to a hamstring injury and pulled star Wander Franco from Tuesday’s contest.
After assessing the latest scores and odds, the Angels have plenty of value. The bats are working, Ohtani is on the mound, and their improved bullpen is rested. If you’re looking for a secondary bet, consider them at -105 to score Over 3.5 runs.
Head to the sportsbook and take the Angels to complete the three-game sweep.
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