Tampa Bay Rays Odds

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The Tampa Bay Rays reside in the AL East with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, but the club has more than held its own. Over the relatively brief history of the team, fans in Tampa Bay have had plenty of reasons to cheer.

Legal online sportsbooks in Florida could make it easy to bet on the Rays, day in and day out. A live sportsbook at the Rays’ home park might even be in the cards down the road. For now, here’s a guide to betting on the Rays in Florida including live odds for the next Rays game, Rays World Series odds, and more.

Today’s Rays odds: run line, World Series, props

Below find the latest odds for today’s Rays game, the team’s current World Series odds and selected player props at Florida’s top online sportsbooks. Click on any odds to go right to the sportsbook, claim your bonus bet promos at FL sportsbooks and start getting your Rays bets in.

Next Up: Texas Rangers

• Game Day: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
• Game Time: 3:08 PM
• Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
• Stadium: Tropicana Field

Recent Meetings With The Rangers

Rays Insights Vs. Rangers

• The Rays rank sixth in MLB action with 230 home runs. They average 1.4 per game.
• Tampa Bay is fourth in baseball with a .445 slugging percentage.
• The Rays' .260 batting average is third-best in the majors.
• The Rays have a 52-17 record in games this season when they belt at least two home runs.
• The 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings put together by the Rays pitching staff ranks fourth in the majors.

Rays' Last 10 Games

Betting Lines And Odds For Rays Vs. Rangers

Rays Betting Insights

• The Rays have been favored on the moneyline 130 total times this season. They've gone 86-44 in those games.
• Tampa Bay has won 12, or 41.4%, of the 29 games it has played as the underdog this season.
• In the 163 games in which oddsmakers have set an over/under for the Rays, they have combined with opponents to go over the total 88 times (88-69-6).
• Tampa Bay has covered 52.8% of its games this season, going 86-77-0 against the spread.

Rays Players To Watch

• Yandy Diaz has a team-best batting average of .330.
• Among all batters in MLB action, Diaz's home run total ranks 73rd and his RBI tally ranks 62nd.
• Isaac Paredes has hit 31 home runs with 98 runs batted in. Both lead his team.
• Paredes ranks 22nd in home runs and 19th in RBI among hitters in MLB action.
• Randy Arozarena is batting .255 with 19 doubles, three triples, 23 home runs and 80 walks.
• Josh Lowe is batting .292 with 32 doubles, two triples, 20 home runs and 31 walks.

Injuries For Tampa Bay Vs. Texas

Rays: Calvin Faucher: 60-Day Injured List (biceps), Jason Adam: 15-Day Injured List (left oblique), Greg Jones: 60-Day Injured List (hamstring), Shane McClanahan: 60-Day Injured List (forearm), Wander Franco: Restricted List (personal), Drew Rasmussen: 60-Day Injured List (elbow), Shane Baz: 60-Day Injured List (elbow), Jeffrey Springs: 60-Day Injured List (elbow), Garrett Cleavinger: 60-Day Injured List (knee)
Texas Rangers: Jon Gray: 15-Day Injured List (wrist), Ian Kennedy: 60-Day Injured List (rotator cuff), Brad Miller: 60-Day Injured List (hamstring), Brett Martin: 60-Day Injured List (shoulder), Jacob deGrom: 60-Day Injured List (elbow), Jake Odorizzi: 60-Day Injured List (shoulder)

What is the Rays run line?

The run line is spread betting for MLB. Unlike other sports that use a spread, the run line is typically set at 1.5, but sportsbooks will offer alternatives with adjusted odds. An average run line listing looks like this at sportsbook sites, such as DraftKings Sportsbook in Florida:

• Toronto Blue Jays +1.5 (-140)
• Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+120)

You’ll see the value of the run line along with the odds for placing the bet. In other spread-based sports bets, the standard odds begin at -110 on both sides and adjust from there. It’s different with the run line due to the low-scoring nature of MLB games.

In this example, you can get positive odds for taking the Rays -1.5 runs, which means they’d have to win by two or more to cover. Over on the Blue Jays side, the return would be less due to negative odds. That side covers with a win or one-run loss.

When estimating returns, you can use the direction of the odds as a guide. For negative odds, that’s how much you have to bet to get back $100, such as $140 to win $100 at -140. Positive numbers equal what you get back on $100 winning bets: $120 at +120.

Run line odds aren’t always exactly the same at each book, so be sure to shop around to find the best prices. There may be some ticks of difference to pounce on. DraftKings could have more favorable odds than FanDuel on a game you like, or vice versa.

The run line provides more of a challenge than just picking winners and losers. The fact that the odds can be all over the map adds another wrinkle to the equation, but the run line also adds on an extra entertainment factor due to the element of which side will cover.

What is the Rays moneyline?

The moneyline bet comes down to a single question: which team will win the game? The simple nature of the wager makes it a popular one. The odds for this bet are listed as part of the main game listing at MLB betting sites in Florida.

• Boston Red Sox +110
• Tampa Bay Rays -130

When looking at moneyline odds, the range between the two numbers is important. A small difference (as in our example) points to a close game. A big span of something like -220/+180 would indicate a paper mismatch in the eyes of oddsmakers.

Many games on the docket are in between the two extremes. Among the biggest factors for setting the moneyline odds is the starting pitching matchup. When it’s an ace facing off against an arm that constantly gets shelled, there’s a good chance you’ll see a wide span.

After the initial release, moneyline odds can move in response to betting action and other factors. We, therefore, recommend shopping around. For a bet of $100 on the Rays at -130, you’d get back $76.90 in winnings if they come out on top.

If you found them listed at -120, that same $100 bet now has the potential to bring back $83.30. A small difference for a single bet can hugely add up during a lengthy MLB season.

FanDuel sportsbook is among the operators that trend toward very competitive moneyline odds, while BetMGM Sportsbook is slower to react to the overall market. When comparing the numbers, try to track movements from the initial release for extra intel.

What are Rays totals bets?

The totals bet is based on the total combined runs that will be scored in the game. It’s also known as an over/under, which reflects the two possible choices that bettors can make on the number set by oddsmakers. Totals are one of the three bets on standard game listings, and are presented like this at BetRivers Sportsbook Florida and other betting sites:

• Over 5 (-115)
• Under 5 (-105)

Most sportsbooks use odds of -110 as the starting point for totals bets. The numbers can and will adjust in response to market action and other factors. The same applies to the total itself, as there could be a shift of a half-run or more in advance of game time.

Among the factors that can impact the total are a sudden forecast shift in which the wind is expected to blow heavily toward center field. This could be a recipe for a higher-scoring game than anticipated, so books and bettors will adjust.

When you compare numbers across the industry, you’ll find that many books are right in line, but there are differences to find. For MLB, there are distinct ranges in the listed totals.

A game at seven runs or fewer shapes up as a potential pitching duel, while those at 9.5 runs or more could be slugfests. There will also be plenty of games in between the two extremes, but the listed number gives you a quick sense of what to expect.

As with the run line, the totals bet can make even the mismatched games more appealing. Bettors on both the over and under sides automatically have some rooting interest, not to mention the chance to profit if the game breaks their way.

Bet on Rays props and futures

Pregame bets on Rays games can keep you busy all season, but other betting options exist to explore. There are scores of prop bets on the individual games and some of the season-long variety. Speaking of the season, the futures odds market can keep you engaged with a wide range of opportunities to consider.

When the Rays are set to take the field, clicking through the main game listing will bring up alternative lines and available props. A prop is a side wager. There are team and game options and typically lots that revolve around individual players.

• Total hits plus walks for Austin Meadows – Over/Under 1.5?
• Will Brandon Lowe hit a home run – Yes/No?
• Who will have more strikeouts – Tyler Glasnow or Eduardo Rodriguez?

For season-long props, you may see options like total wins for Rich Hill or an over/under on RBIs for Randy Arozarena. Props are a great spot to shop around and compare offerings and odds. DraftKings may have some great markets available, but checking in on FanDuel can open up even more possibilities, for example.

A futures bet revolves around an outcome that won’t be known until later. For example, World Series odds come out in the offseason and remain active from there. You can expect to see movement on the board in response to volume and other news, so always compare Rays betting odds at different books before placing bets. Top futures bets you can place include:

• World Series win/appearance
• Pennant and division winners
• Team to make or miss playoffs
• Over/under on team regular season win totals odds
• Player award winners – MVP, Cy Young, etc.

Futures betting requires a long-term perspective, as your funds will be tied up until the outcome is known. Depending on the market and odds for your selection, the returns can be fantastic. As a quick example, the MLB playoff odds for a few of the favorites to win the AL Pennant might look like this.

• Houston Astros +200
• Chicago White Sox +300
• Boston Red Sox +550
• Tampa Bay Rays +700

If you place a $100 bet on the Rays at odds of +700 to win the AL and the team goes on to make it happen, you’re looking at $700 in profits coming back your way. Futures betting provides even more season-long rooting interest, and the market is a great way to take a snapshot of how things stack up in MLB. Review your sportsbook’s MLB betting rules to see how bets can be void in certain situations.

Current Rays Manager & Bench Staff

Kevin Cash has been at the helm for the Rays since 2015. He took over following the departure of Joe Maddon, who led the team from 2006-14. Cash and the club had great success in 2020, as he was named AL Manager of the Year while the team snatched the AL Pennant. Here are some of the key members of the staff behind Cash.

• Rodney Linares, Bench coach
• Chad Mottola, Hitting coach
• Kyle Snyder, Pitching coach
• Chris Prieto, First base coach
• Brady Williams, Third base coach
• Jorge Moncada, Bullpen coach
• Jonathan Erlichman, Process & analytics coach

Tampa Bay Rays home games

How to watch or listen to Rays games in Florida

The flagship radio station for Rays telecasts is WDAE 620 AM. The feed is also picked up by affiliates across the region. Neil Solondz and Andy Freed call the action, with Neil Solondz serving as the host for broadcasts.

On the tube, Bally Sports Sun is the main home for Rays telecasts. Dewayne Staats handles play-by-play with Brian Anderson on board for color commentary. The Rays can also be found on ESPN and Fox from time to time for national coverage.

The MLB.tv subscription package provides coverage of games as well, but note that local blackout rules apply. The audio feed can also be picked up with providers such as TuneIn radio. A stream of the TV broadcast can also be picked up online and via app.

Find it usually on the main outlet carrying the game, but note that sign-in credentials from your provider are generally required. When watching via app, you can easily toggle back and forth with a sports betting app to keep an eye on live betting markets.

Signature Rays moment

After entering MLB in 1998, the Rays suffered some growing pains. Through 2007, the club finished in fifth place in the AL East nine times in 10 seasons, with the lone outlier being a fourth-place finish in 2004.

In 2008, things changed dramatically. The team suddenly put it all together and rocketed to a regular-season finish of 97-65. That was good enough for a division crown, but the Rays weren’t done just yet.

After taking down the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS, the Rays won a thrilling seven-game series over the Boston Red Sox to snatch the AL Pennant. Finally, the club fell in five games to the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series to bring the ride to an end.

While it was a disappointing finish, that didn’t take away from the magic of the season. Years of hard work and sacrifice finally began to bear fruit. The Rays had arrived. Evan Longoria won the AL Rookie of the Year, while Joe Maddon was honored as Manager of the Year.

The Rays have made it to the postseason five times since then, and even made another appearance in the Fall Classic in 2020. The team’s breakthrough in 2008 still stands tall as a signature moment in franchise history.

Rays facts & trivia

The Rays have been around for nearly two decades. It took some time for the team to make its mark, but the club has managed to carve out a niche. The franchise has developed an excellent eye for talent and manages to stay in contention in spite of not having the budget of franchises from the bigger markets. Here are some of the more notable facts and figures about Tampa’s home team.

When did the Rays join MLB?

The Rays were born when MLB awarded an expansion franchise to a group led by Vince Naimoli in 1995. The team began play in 1998 as the Devil Rays with a name change to Rays coming in 2007. Naimoli and company maintained ownership until 2004. A group led by Stuart Sternberg purchased controlling interest in the team for a reported $200 million. Sternberg remains the principal shareholder of the team.

Who did the Rays select in the expansion draft?

Prior to the 1998 MLB season, an expansion draft was held to stock the coffers of the two new teams, the Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks. The new clubs were allowed to pick from a list of non-protected players on the rosters of other MLB clubs. The first pick in the draft went to the Rays, and they selected pitcher Tony Saunders from the then-Florida Marlins. OF Quinton McCracken from the Colorado Rockies was the team’s second pick. All told, the club selected 35 players to help form the initial roster.

What season did the Rays win the most games?

In 2008, the Rays finally lifted themselves out of the bottom of the AL East standings. The club went on to a mark of 97-65, which still stands as the best record in team history. The ‘08 Rays made it to the World Series before falling to the Philadelphia Phillies. Tampa has hit 90+ wins six times since that point, and nearly matched the record with a pair of 96-win campaigns in 2010 and 2019.

How many times have the Rays made it to the playoffs?

The Rays have made it to the postseason a total of six times to date. Two of those trips ended with a defeat in the World Series. Here’s a quick look at all of the playoff appearances and the end result.

• 2022: Lost AL WCS to Cleveland Guardians 2-0
• 2021: Lost ALDS to Boston Red Sox 3-1
• 2020: Lost World Series to Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2
• 2019: Lost ALDS to Houston Astros 3-2
• 2013: Lost ALDS to Boston Red Sox 3-1
• 2011: Lost ALDS to Texas Rangers 3-1
• 2010: Lost ALDS to Texas Rangers 3-2
• 2008: Lost World Series to Philadelphia Phillies 4-1

Has a Rays player ever won MVP or Cy Young?

In the early days of the franchise, there wasn’t much in the way of hardware for the Rays. That has changed since the franchise turned things around. Here are some of the major award winners in club history.

• 2021: Randy Arozarena, AL Rookie of the Year
• 2018: Blake Snell, AL Cy Young
• 2013: Wil Myers, AL Rookie of the Year
• 2012: David Price, AL Cy Young
• 2011: Jeremy Hellickson, AL Rookie of the Year
• 2008: Evan Longoria, AL Rookie of the Year

How many managers have the Rays had?

The franchise has had just five managers since the team made its debut in 1998. The last two men to fill the role have had lengthy tenures in charge. Here’s the full list along with time served at the helm of the Rays.

• Kevin Cash, 2015-present
• Joe Maddon, 2006-14
• Lou Piniella, 2003-05
• Hal McRae, 2001-02
• Larry Rothschild, 1998-2001

How much are Rays tickets?

Ticket prices for Rays games will vary based on the type of seats you’re looking for. Cheaper tickets can be found in the $20-$30 range and sometimes less. If you’re looking to get as close to the action as possible, expect to pony up $80-$100, and sometimes more if a popular draw is in town. As always, prices on the resale market can vary based on how the team is playing and the quality of the opponent.

What’s the best thing to eat at a Rays game?

There are plenty of quality eats to be found at Rays games. If you like to keep it simple with dogs and brews, you’ll be more than covered, but those looking for something a little more special have some great options. Here’s a trio that can quickly become new cravings.

• Short Rib Grilled Cheese
• BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
• TB Cuban Sandwich

What traditions do the Rays have at home games?

Ballpark traditions make the game that much more fun. When the Rays are playing at home, cowbells have become a popular way for fans to get involved. The tradition has caught on so much that there’s even an annual “cowbell night.” Additionally, when the team could really use a rally, the character DJ Kitty appears on the Jumbotron as loud music blares across the stadium in a bid to generate some noise from the Rays faithful.

Are any Rays players in the Hall of Fame?

Just one Rays player has been elected thus far. Wade Boggs spent the last two years of his career in Tampa Bay from 1998-99. He joined the 3,000-hit club in 1999 and later served as the team’s hitting coach following his retirement through 2001. During his career, Boggs racked up five batting titles and finished with a .328 career batting average. Prior to joining the Rays, he played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

Have the Rays retired any numbers?

The team follows the MLB tradition of honoring the number 42 for Jackie Robinson. Outside of that, the club has just retired a pair of numbers to date.

• 12 – Wade Boggs, 3B
• 66 – Don Zimmer, Senior advisor

What would it cost to buy the Rays? 

According to the latest MLB franchise valuations from Forbes, the Rays carry a price tag of $1.25 billion. That places them in 29th place of 30 clubs, ahead of only the Miami Marlins at $1.07 billion. The New York Yankees top the list at $7.13 billion, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers at $5.24 billion and the Boston Red Sox at $5.21 billion.