Rays vs O’s MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks
The New York Yankees have put quite a bit of distance on the rest of the field in the AL East, but this series still has a ton of importance.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles MLB Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers: Tampa Bay (Shields) vs. Baltimore (Tillman)
Date/Time: July 27, 12:35 p.m. EST
MLB Gambling Odds from TopBet
Moneyline: Tampa Bay (-105) Baltimore (-105)
Runline: Rays -1.5 (+140) Orioles +1.5 (-160)
Total: 9
Both of these teams are right in the thick of the AL Wild Card, and it is never too early to start looking at the Wild Card once you reach the second half. Tampa Bay has taken the first two games of this series, including a 10-1 beat down of the Orioles last night.
The Rays have endured all kinds of injuries this year, and they have just trying to stay afloat. Evan Longoria has been out for a long time, and Matt Joyce is still dinged up a bit. Luke Scott had given the offense a little extra power, but he is out with an oblique strain. Tampa Bay is 28th in the majors in batting average at just .233, but the Rays have managed to score 4.17 runs per game. Joe Maddon and the Rays have stolen a lot of bases and hit well with runners in scoring position. James Shields has been disappointing this season, and the team needs him to pick it up as the season moves along.
Baltimore won five in a row, but now they have lost three straight games. The Orioles offense relies heavily on the long ball. Baltimore is third in the majors in home runs, but they are dead last in baseball in stolen bases. Adam Jones has cooled off a bit of late, but he still leads the team with a .292 average and 23 homers. Chris Davis is having a comeback season at first base, and Jim Thome gives the team another power hitter. Matt Wieters hasn’t lived up to expectations, and the Orioles need him to become more consistent offensively. Chris Tillman has had two terrific starts and one awful start so far this year. Which Tillman will show up here?
The Orioles have shown a lot of pride this year, and I think they’ll fight hard to salvage one game out of this important series.
Free MLB Pick: Orioles ML
