Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions (2024)

The Detroit Tigers (12-10) and Tampa Bay Rays (12-11) open a 3-game series at Tropicana Field Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Tigers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Rays won 5-1 last year

Detroit is coming off a 2-1 road series win after taking down the Minnesota Twins 6-1 Sunday and cashing as a +110 underdog. LF Riley Greenescored 3 runs, while 2B Buddy Kennedyhad a home run and 3 RBIs. RHP Casey Mizepitched 6 scoreless innings to pick up the win.

Tampa Bay is coming off a 2-1 road series loss against the New York Yankees after falling 5-4 Sunday and failing to cash as a +116 underdog. A 3-run 8th inning fell just short of the comeback. RF Amed Rosarioscored 2 runs and had 2 RBIs, while RHP Aaron Civaleallowed 5 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings to pick up the loss.

Tigers at Rays projected starters

LHP Tarik Skubal vs. RHP Zack Littell

Skubal (2-0, 2.28 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 0.80 WHIP, 1.90 BB/9 and 9.89 K/9 in 23 2/3 innings.

• Tigers are 3-1 in his starts
• Has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in 3 of 4 starts
• Has struck out 26 batters this season while walking just 5; he’s projected to set a career-high in K’s at this pace

Littell (1-0, 2.14 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 2.14 BB/9 and 9.43 K/9 in 21 innings.

• Rays are 2-2 in his starts
• Has allowed 3 or fewer runs in each appearance and 1 or fewer in 3 of the 4
• Has struck out 22 batters and walked just 4 this year
• Has allowed just 1 home run on the season (against Los Angeles Angels CF Mike Trout)

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

Tigers at Rays nickname odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Tigers -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Rays -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Tigers -1.5 (+150) | Rays +1.5 (-185)
• Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Tigers at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Tigers 5, Rays 4

Moneyline

BET TIGERS (-115).

The Tigers are coming off a road series win in Minnesota and have had hot bats recently. They have scored 5 or more runs in 3 of their last 4 games while giving up 4 or fewer in each of their last 3.

Skubal has had a hot start to the season and will look to continue that dominance Monday against a Rays team that is 3-3 in its last 6 home games.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

Both pitchers in this game can retire opposing offenses in stunning fashion with both striking out more than 22 batters and walking 5 or fewer in each of their 1st 4 starts. As a result, expect this game to stay close with the value on the spread becoming minimal.

Over/Under

BET OVER 7.5 (-110).

While this game features 2 pitchers who have started the season off hot, 7.5 is too low of a total to be comfortable with.

Detroit has scored 5 or more runs in 3 of its last 4 games and 4 or more in 7 of its last 10.

Tampa Bay has scored 4 or more runs in 4 of its last 8 games and allowed 4 or more in 7 of its last 9.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @seth_orlemann on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball