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Rays vs Orioles: It’s A Battle For The Top Of The American League. May 8

Top Teams in American League Collide

The Tampa Bay Rays (28-7) and the Baltimore Orioles (22-12) meet on Monday in an American League East rivalry. The Rays and Orioles boast the best records in the AL and are within the top three of the MLB. Tampa Bay is 5-1 over its last six games, while Baltimore is 3-3 in the previous six.

The MLB spreads select the Rays as the favorites for the 10th time over their last 11 games. Both teams will start their ace pitchers. Tampa’s Shane McClanahan (6-0, 2.03 ERA) looks to extend his league-best record, and Baltimore’s Kyle Gibson (4-1, 4.61 ERA) hopes to bounce back from his first loss of the season. This is an absolute must-watch series with two of the best teams in baseball.

Rays vs Orioles Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Rays vs Orioles Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

Rays Dominance Continues

Tampa Bay is 8-2 over its last 10 games and holds the best record in baseball by four games. The Rays continue to separate themselves in the stacked AL East. According to MLB odds, they are -165 to win the division. Tampa Bay is also tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the third-shortest odds to win the World Series (+850).

Following a series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Rays won two of three games against the New York Yankees. On Sunday, Tampa Bay faced pitcher Gerrit Cole, which New York was 7-0 when he started. The Rays ended that streak, erasing a 6-0 deficit thanks to 10 hits.

Tampa Bay still sits atop many key categories, like batting average, home runs per game, opponent batting average and opponent runs per game. Outfielder Randy Arozarena (.328 batting average) is one of the many lethal hitters in the Rays’ lineup. Arozarena is riding an eight-game hitting streak, making him an excellent pick for your MLB picks and parlays.

Orioles on Challenging Stretch

Following a 12-2 stretch, Baltimore has hit a rough patch going 2-3 over the last five. The Orioles come off a 2-1 series loss against the Atlanta Braves, who hold the league’s second-best record. Now, they will face the MLB’s top team. Baltimore’s following three series are against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays. They could face five consecutive playoff squads.

We are about to see if Baltimore is legit. The sportsbook has its doubts with the Orioles priced at +135 to make the playoffs. They have averaged only two runs in their last three losses. Tampa Bay’s McClanahan will be another tough challenge. Following his 2022 All-Star campaign, McClanahan has not missed a beat. In fact, his ERA sits at 2.03, which would be a career-high.

However, he has allowed four home runs in his last three starts. Baltimore ranks ninth in home runs per game. Take one of the Orioles’ sluggers to launch a homer early in live betting. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle (eight home runs) and shortstop Jorge Mateo (six home runs) are solid options.

Rays vs Orioles Game Injuries

Rays vs Orioles Head-to-Head

The AL East rivals have yet to meet this season, but the series is split 5-5 in the last 10 matchups. The over is 4-2 in the last six meetings.

Rays vs Orioles Game Information

  • Game: Rays (28-7) vs Orioles (22-12)
  • Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
  • Day/Time: Monday, May 8, 6:35 p.m. ET
  • Rays vs Orioles Live Stream: MLB.tv

Rays vs Orioles Betting Lines


Rays vs Orioles Best Bets

Baltimore’s Gibson has not been sharp in his last two appearances. He allowed 10 hits and six earned runs in his last start against the Kansas City Royals. The Rays feature the best batting order in baseball. It could be another long day for Gibson. MLB lines have Tampa Bay’s projected total at 4½. Take the over.

Tampa Bay is listed at -170 in our Las Vegas MLB lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Rays, you have a chance to win $59. Baltimore is 150, offering a chance to win $150 on a $100 wager.

The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Rays a 62.96% chance to win, with the Orioles at 40.00%.

Rays vs Orioles Edge

Rays vs Orioles Results

Rays vs Orioles Game Summary

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