Free MLB Pick: Astros vs. Rays Odds
Looking for Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays Free MLB predictions? MLB betting sees the Astros taking on the Rays on Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay, FL. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Astros-Rays free pick.
2022 MLB Handicapping
(97-51) Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays (82-65)
Date: Tuesday, September 20th, 2022
Time: 6:40 PM ET
Venue: Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay, FL
Projected Pitchers: Cristian Javier vs. Shane McClanahan
MLB Moneyline Odds: Astros +110 Rays -130
MLB run line Betting Odds: Astros +1.5 Rays -1.5
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: O/U: 6.5
It’s the second game of a three game set between two teams gearing up for the post-season. One has clinched and the other is still in the mix for a Wild Card spot come October.
Houston Astros
The Astros enter Tropicana Field with a 97-51 overall record and a 47-28 tally away from Houston. They have an 8-2 record over their past 10 which includes a win over the Rays in the opener of this series.
They’ve already secured a playoff spot and the American League West for the 5th time in the past 6 seasons. The only time they missed out on the top spot in the division was during the shortened 2020 campaign.
On offence, they have a sixth best .263 batting average as a club and a fourth best .799 OPS on the year. More recently, over the past 7 day, they have a 2nd best .272 average and top OPS of .842. On the bump they’re sporting a 2.92 ERA which is 2nd league wide.
Cristian Javier is expected on the mound for his 23rd start of the season and 28th appearance overall. He enters with a 9-9 record and a respectable 2.87 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He’s coming off a 2-1 win against the Tigers after going 6.0 innings with just 2 hits, no runs and 8 strikeouts. In his last 2 starts this month, he’s accumulated a 0.79 ERA.
He does tend to leave before the 7th inning, reaching the stretch just twice this season with the last time being July 1st. That’s alright though because his buddies from the bullpen are more than capable of backing him up. Houston has a a league best 2.72 bullpen ERA and a third best 1.12 WHIP on the year.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are holding the 2nd Wild Card spot by 5.5 games which will most likely be their route should they make the playoffs. In the division, they’re 6.5 games back of the Yankees for the lead in the American League East.
They have an 82-65 overall record but have been solid at home with a 49-26 tally. Recently though they have gone 4-7 over their last 11 and are 2-2 over their last 4 at home.
On the season, they’re tied for the 12th best average at the plate at .252 but have the 20th best OPS at .695. They’ve gotten strong pitching on the year as they are right behind Houston at third with a 3.34 club ERA.
They’re going with their Ace in Shane McClanahan who is 13-5 with a 2.13 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP. He was pulled after just 5.0 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays, not necessarily because of his performance but mostly because it was his first game since coming off the 15-day injury list. It will be interesting to see if he can grind it out against one of the better offensive teams in the league.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
- Astros are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings
- Astros are 4-0 in their last 4 road games
- Astros are 6-1 in their last 7 games following a win
- Rays are 0-5 in their last 5 games with a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15
- Under is 22-8-2 in the last 32 meetings
Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays MLB Prediction:
Both of these pitchers have had excellent seasons and usually one may be partial the the pitcher with the better season. I’m unsure if McClanahan will reach the 7th inning and there is a good chance that Javier won’t.
That means I’m basing this decision on who has the better bullpen and better offence. The stats point directly to Houston who are poised for another win.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Astros ML
If you’re looking for more MLB picks like Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays matchup, we’ll be providing 4* free MLB pTampa Bayys on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free MLB Baseball picks!
Register here for a FREE MLB Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!