Houston Astros vs Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

He Houston Astros (64-55) and Tampa Bay Rays (59-60) will meet on Wednesday to close out a 3-game series in Tampa. Opening pitch at Tropicana Field will be at 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at BetMGM’s sports betting lines around the game. Astros vs Rays odd and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season Series: Astros lead 3-2

Houston has taken the first two games of this series and has won seven straight. The Astros’ pitching has allowed just three runs in the two games and Houston’s staff has a clean 2.42 ERA since Aug. 4.

Tampa Bay has lost 4 of its last 5 games and has hit just .214/.279/.349 (.629 OPS) since July 31.

Astros vs Rays starting pitching projections

Fast Ronel White against RHP Zack Littell

Blanco (9-6, 3.02 ERA) is scheduled to make his 23rd start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 in 128 IP.

• Last outing: No decision, 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 8-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday
• Career vs. Rays: 0-1, 3.86 ERA (7 IP, 3 ER), 10 H, 2 BB, 10 K in 2 appearances (1 start)

Littell (5-8, 4.11 ERA) is making his 24th start. He has a 1.35 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 in 124 2/3 IP.

• Last outing: Loss, 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 5 K in a 4-1 home loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Friday
• Career vs. Astros: 2-0, 2.53 ERA (10 IP, 3 ER), 12 H, 1 BB, 7 K in 2 starts

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Astros vs Rays Odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; go to USA TODAY’s Sportsbook Odds and Scores Center for a complete list. Lines last updated at 9:36 a.m. ET.

• Money line: Astros -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Rays +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
• Run Line (RL)/Against the Spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+145) | Rays +1.5 (-175)
• Plus/Minus (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Astros vs. Rays Picks and Predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rays 4

Money line

Houston is 12-6 in its last 18 games against the Rays.

The Astros were a solid betting option in the first two games. They’re a bit less so in this one because oddsmakers likely overvalue Blanco. But the Houston right-hander has been hurt lately by a poor batting average on balls in play in recent starts. A skewed look at both starters is more benign for Blanco.

Tampa Bay is thought to have overstated its run/run-against profile to date and is a bit inclined to fade institutionally before considering any pitches.

But the inclinations towards the visiting team are small. Consider a partial drive play in the Astros (-120).

Run Line/Against the Spread

More juice here; no value. AVOID.

More/Less

Both clubs have some Under tendencies in this series finale, but the Over has a slight tilt.

Opposite lineups saw Blanco and Littell in the Houston-Tampa series earlier this month. And again, many prognosticators might overrate Blanco.

Tag the MORE THAN 8 (-105) — price available at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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