The Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves are set for an interleague matchup on Tuesday night at Truist Park in Atlanta.
These teams enter this heavyweight matchup in similar positions in the standings of their respective leagues. The Rays have the best record in the American League at 85-58, and own a 4-game lead over New York in the AL East.
With a record of 85-59, Atlanta currently holds a 4-game lead over Philadelphia in the NL East. With both teams well-positioned for deep playoff runs, could we have a World Series preview on our hands in this one? First pitch is slated for 7:15 p.m. ET.
Rays vs. Braves betting picks and predictions
Braves ML (-115)
The Braves are happy to return home from a 6-game road trip, as they are a strong 48-24 at Truist Park this season. They’ll host a Rays team that is 38-33 on the road, and while that is a solid road record, it’s nowhere near Tampa Bay’s home record of 47-25.
Atlanta will hand the ball to A.J. Smith-Shawver, who will be making his fifth start of the season. He’s seen mixed results in his first four outings, and the Braves are just 1-3 in his four starts. However, three of those four starts came on the road, and his lone home start resulted in a 6-5 win over the Dodgers.
Smith-Shawver should be more comfortable in his home ballpark, and he has a favorable matchup against a Tampa Bay team that hasn’t been as dangerous offensively on the road than at home. Specifically, Tampa Bay’s team OPS drops from a strong .754 at home to a pedestrian .710 on the road.
Tampa Bay starting pitcher Freddy Peralta is having a rough go of things with his new team. Peralta came over from the Mets at the trade deadline, and he is sporting a 4.86 ERA through six starts with the Rays. Atlanta ranks 9th in baseball with a team OPS of .756 at home, so they should be able to give Peralta some trouble.
Playing at home, back the Braves.
Over 8.5 (-105)
Both of these offenses should be able to plate enough runs to take this one over the listed total. Neither starting pitcher has been overly effective this season, and both lineups feature plenty of veteran hitters capable of taking advantage.
Smith-Shawver is still getting back into a rhythm on the mound, and while the Rays haven’t been nearly as dangerous on the road than at home, Tampa Bay should still find some success at the plate. Smith-Shawver owns a 7.13 ERA and 1.75 WHIP through four starts, and opposing hitters own an OPS of .800 against him. Look for Tampa Bay to be aggressive at the plate.
Peralta has struggled all season long, and that has continued with the Rays. Plus, Peralta hasn’t been effective on the road. On the season, Peralta sees his ERA jump from 3.89 at home all the way up to 6.19 on the road. Furthermore, his BAA goes from .230 to .286. The Braves have been among the highest-scoring offenses in baseball, and they are particularly great at home. Atlanta should be able to have a strong offensive day in this one.
With a total of 8.5, the over is the play.
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Rays vs. Braves odds
Rays | -105 |
Braves | -115 |
Run Line | TB Rays +1.5 |
Total | O/U 8.5 |
Rays vs. Braves player props
Home runs
Junior Caminero (TB Rays) | +310 |
Matt Olson (ATL Braves) | +325 |
Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL Braves) | +375 |
Jonathan Aranda (TB Rays) | +450 |
Drake Baldwin (ATL Braves) | +450 |
Michael Harris II (ATL Braves) | +450 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
