Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions
Ethan Matthew
May 31, 2023 9:58 am ET
The Tampa Bay Rays (39-18) end their 3-game series with the Chicago Cubs (24-30) Wednesday. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 2:20 ET. Lets analyze BetMGM Sportsbooks lines around the Rays vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs lead 2-0
The Rays and Cubs combine to average over 10 runs per game, but this series has been unusual to say the least. The Cubs followed up Mondays 1-0 victory with a 2-1 win Tuesday and now the Rays are a loss away from being swept for the 1st time this season.
The Cubs bullpen helped seal the victory, allowing 1 hit in 4 innings after RHP Kyle Hendricks showed he has more left in the tank after missing most of the 2022 season with a shoulder injury.
Rays at Cubs projected starters
RHP Zach Eflin vs. LHP Justin Steele
Eflin (7-1, 3.17 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 54 innings.
Last start: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 B, 0 K in an 6-3 win vs. the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday
Has a 1.08 OPS when the batter is ahead in the count and a .451 OPS when he is ahead
Steele (6-2, 2.77 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 65 innings.
Last start: Loss, 3.2 IP, 5 ER, 10 H, 0 BB, 4 K in a 9-0 loss against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday
Allowed a total of 2 home runs this season
Rays at Cubs odds
; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Rays -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Cubs +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+120) | Cubs +1.5 (-145)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code
a full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 9/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!
Rays at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Moneyline
The Rays have yet to be swept this season and Im skeptical it will it come against these Chicago Cubs. Despite not giving up a HR at Wrigley Field this season, Steele allows .260 BA at home versus .209 on the road.
BET RAYS -135.
Run line/Against the spread
Before this series the
Cubs lost 10 of their 12 one-run games this season. If the Rays win this game, its more likely than not that their margin will be greater than 1 run. I like the spread to boost the odds.
RAYS -1.5 (+120).
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 1:58 pm