Dodgers vs Rays Odds & Picks (May 26)
By Quinn Allen in MLB Baseball
Published:
- The two best teams in baseball begin a three-game series on Friday
- Tampa Bay just took three out of four from the Jays, while LA won two out of three against the Braves
- Read on for the Dodgers vs Rays odds, picks, and predictions
This weekend’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers (31-20, 14-13 away) and the Tampa Bay Rays (37-15, 24-5 home) could be a potential World Series preview as the two meet for the first of three games at Tropicana Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.
LA sends Noah Syndergaard to the bump, while Jalen Beeks is expected to get the start for the Rays.
Dodgers vs Rays Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Runline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | -105 | -1.5 (+160) | Ov 9 (+100) |
| Tampa Bay Rays | -115 | +1.5 (-190) | Un 9 (-120) |
There’s really no clear favorite here. The Dodgers sit at -105, while the Rays are at -115. It’s actually their first meeting since the 2020 Fall Classic when LA won the series in six games.
Odds as of May 25th at DraftKings. Get a DraftKings promo code to bet on Dodgers vs Rays.
Los Angeles vs Tampa Bay Probable Pitchers
Syndergaard hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations so far in his Dodgers tenure. The big right-hander is 1-3 with a 5.88 ERA in nine starts, striking out 30 in 41.1 innings. While he’s only allowed six walks, Thor is getting hit around at times.
Pitching probables for #Dodgers series in Tampa:
Fri — RHP Noah Syndergaard (1-3, 5.88 ERA) v LHP Jalen Beeks (1-2, 4.68 ERA)
Sat — LHP Clayton Kershaw (6-4, 2.98 ERA) v RHP Tyler Glasnow (1st start of 2023)
Sun — RHP Gavin Stone (0-0, 10.13 ERA) v TBD— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 25, 2023
But, the veteran is improving. He only surrendered three earned on four hits on May 20th against the St. Louis Cardinals. In fact, Syndergaard hasn’t given up more than three runs in each of his previous four appearances. In two career outings against Tampa, he owns a 5.79 ERA.
Syndergaard vs Beeks Stats
| 1-3 | Record | 1-2 |
| 5.88 | ERA | 4.68 |
| 41.1 | Innings Pitched | 25 |
| 30 | Strikeouts | 22 |
| 6 | Walks | 12 |
Beeks is more of a reliever for the Rays, making just five starts this year. But with recent injuries, he’s getting the call here. The southpaw is 1-2 with a 4.68 ERA and typically serves as an opener. Tampa will likely make this a bullpen game.
The 29-year-old last pitched on May 21st, tossing two relief innings and allowing one run. In one outing versus LA, Beeks was torched for five earned in 4.2 frames.
Dodgers Gaining Traction
Although the Dodgers are just 5-5 in their last 10 games, going 2-1 against the Braves is certainly a massive positive. After all, Atlanta is basically their biggest threat to making the World Series at this moment in time.
Los Angeles lost a 4-3 heartbreaker in the finale Wednesday, but Tony Gonsolin threw the ball incredibly well, allowing just three runs in 5.2 innings. The bats were hot too with 12 hits, but one of the best MLB lineups around stranded 10 runners.
Rays Are Dominant
Aside from a deflating 20-1 loss in the second game of the Blue Jays series, Tampa had its way with Toronto. They average just over six runs per contest in the other three matchups and also threw the baseball very well against a potent offense.
Josh Lowe delivers!
WATCH ➡️ https://t.co/yhn6BFji2Q#MLB | #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/Z1FUrL23XV
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) May 25, 2023
Randy Arozarena led the way Thursday, going 2 for 3 with a pair of RBI in the 6-3 win. Wander Franco also had a triple. Zach Eflin meanwhile produced seven quality innings, surrendering a mere one run.
Dodgers vs Rays Prediction
Tampa Bay doesn’t lose at home and you’d have to imagine there will be a sense of revenge on their minds from their World Series loss three years ago. I’ll take the Rays moneyline.
Pick: Rays moneyline (-115)
Sports Writer
Quinn Allen is a sports journalist, with a background and education in broadcast journalism (BCIT '17). He is a full-time associate editor at ClutchPoints by day, where he writes about soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and more. At night, Quinn is a frequent contributor at SBD.
