The Tampa Bay Rays have dominated the MLB schedule and are atop the MLB standings by a longshot. They have emerged as the cream of the crop of MLB teams by winning 13 straight to start the season and build a 20-5 record with a +87 run differential, which is 31 better than the next-best team.
Their MLB games are entertaining because of the dominant pitching staff they have and how ridiculous the pitches they throw are.
Thursday’s game features ace Shane McClanahan against the White Sox’s Dylan Cease, who are each Cy Young candidates. Here is a breakdown of Rays vs White Sox odds predictions, each team, starting pitchers, and MLB picks.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox Information
Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago White Sox
Location of the game: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL.
Date & Time: Thursday, April 27, 2023, 7:10 p.m. ET.
How to watch: Bally Sports Network | NBC Sports Chicago | MLB Network | MLB.TV
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox Odds
The Rays vs White Sox odds predictions are no mystery as the Rays are favored on the moneyline at -145 and the run line at -1.5 (+120). The White Sox, meanwhile, are +130 on the moneyline and +1.5 (-140) on the run line. The over/under is 7 runs with -120 odds on the over and +100 on the under.
The Rays’ implied team total is 4 runs with -115 odds on either side of the spread. The White Sox’s implied team total is 3 runs with -120 odds on the over and -110 odds on the under.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox Betting Preview
There is a lot of confidence entering the Tampa Bay Rays game today, as there should be for the best team in baseball. But the ace toeing the rubber is an added bonus. Tampa Bay is 1-4 in the last five meetings in Chicago, but 5-2 in the last seven (six of which were at home).
The Rays are second offensively, scoring 6.34 runs per game and with a .276 batting average.
They lead the league with a .858 OPS and 1.94 home runs per game. Tampa Bay also has the best pitching staff, leading the league in runs allowed (2.83) per game, a .196 batting average against .574 opposing OPS, and 0.57 home runs against per game.
Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox standings are disappointing at 7-18. The offense is 22nd in scoring 3.99 runs per game, 24th with a .228 batting average, and third worst with a .652 OPS. The pitching has been dreadful, ranking 29th in allowing 6.03 runs per game, 26th with a .266 batting average against, and 29th with an opposing OPS of .812.
Starting Pitchers
Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays)
McClanahan is already 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA and has 37 strikeouts in 29.0 innings, MLB player stats show. He is quickly a Cy Young frontrunner.
Dylan Cease (Chicago White Sox)
Cease is 2-0 with a 2.73 ERA and has 34 strikeouts in 26.1 innings pitched.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox Picks and Predictions
Both pitchers are privy to limiting runs. Though Cease has allowed 12 runs with only eight earned, so the poor defense may be a reason to see more Rays runs. Plus, Tampa Bay’s offense has been difficult to limit at all.
Only 52% of those making Rays vs White Sox odds predictions are on the over, but once Cease comes out of the game, the White Sox bullpen, which has struggled, will need to get outs. We like the over 7, but the White Sox’s offense may not help the cause.
It is remarkable what the Rays’ pitching staff has been able to do with several key arms on the MLB injury report. They have a true pipeline of elite talent.
Public bets show 69% are on the Rays’ moneyline and count us in that boat. They are really good.
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