Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/17/2024 6:50 PM EST

We have your Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Boston Red Sox hit the road to face the Tampa Bay Rays.

Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Boston Red Sox -115 (ESPN BET) / Tampa Bay Rays -105 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: 1.5 - Boston Red Sox +150 (DraftKings) / Tampa Bay Rays -180 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 7.5 - Under -110 (BetMGM) / Over -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 9/17/2024
Time: 6:50 PM EST
Location: Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, Florida)
TV: MLB.TV

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the course of the 2024 season, the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays have faced each other seven times. The Red Sox have emerged victorious in four of these encounters, while the Rays have claimed three wins. Notably, the visiting team has dominated these matchups, winning six out of the seven games, leaving the home team with just one victory. In terms of betting outcomes, the Red Sox have covered the spread in four games, whereas the Rays have done so in three. The games have seen a mix of scoring, with the total score going over the set line three times and staying under four times. This indicates a competitive series with both teams having their moments of success.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on May 22, 2024, with the Boston Red Sox defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 8-5. The game saw the Rays take an early lead, scoring three runs in the second inning. However, the Red Sox responded with a five-run fifth inning, turning the game in their favor. Key performances included Ceddanne Rafaela's single that scored David Hamilton, and a two-run homer by Wilyer Abreu in the sixth inning. The Rays attempted a comeback with a run in the seventh and a home run from Yandy Díaz in the ninth, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The Red Sox's pitching staff recorded eight strikeouts, while the Rays' pitchers allowed eight runs on eight hits.

Throughout these seven games, both teams have shown competitive offensive and defensive performances. The Red Sox have consistently managed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, as evidenced by their ability to score in crucial innings. Meanwhile, the Rays have demonstrated resilience, often keeping games close and challenging the Red Sox's lead. The series has been characterized by strategic plays and key contributions from various players on both sides, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup in their upcoming game.

Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays Preview

As the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays prepare to face off at Tropicana Field, both teams find themselves in a precarious position with their postseason hopes hanging by a thread. The Red Sox, currently holding a 75-75 record, are coming off a challenging series against the New York Yankees, where they managed only one win in four games. Despite their struggles, Boston has shown flashes of potential, particularly with their offense, which ranks fifth in the majors with a .255 batting average. Nick Pivetta, who has been solid in his recent outings, will take the mound for the Red Sox. Pivetta has demonstrated impressive form in September, boasting a 1.50 ERA over two starts, and will look to continue his strong performance against a Rays lineup that has struggled offensively.

The Tampa Bay Rays, with a 73-77 record, return home after a disappointing 4-6 road trip. Their offense has been lackluster, with a team batting average of .230, placing them 27th in the league. Shane Baz will start for the Rays, aiming to build on his recent performances where he has maintained a respectable 2.38 ERA in September. However, Baz's record does not fully reflect his capabilities, as he has been let down by a lack of run support. The Rays have been in a slump since the All-Star break, and their playoff aspirations are fading fast. Despite this, manager Kevin Cash remains optimistic about his team's intensity and ability to compete in tight games.

Both teams are in desperation mode, needing a series win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Red Sox have had the upper hand in their head-to-head matchups this season, winning four of the seven games. However, the Rays will be eager to capitalize on their home-field advantage and turn their fortunes around. With both teams' offenses struggling, the game could hinge on the performances of Pivetta and Baz, as well as the ability of each team's bullpen to hold the line. As the Red Sox and Rays clash in this crucial series, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle with both teams leaving it all on the field.

Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays Pick: Total Runs Over

As the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays prepare to clash at Tropicana Field, the potential for a high-scoring affair is evident, making the over on the total runs an enticing pick. Both teams have shown the ability to generate offense, despite recent struggles. The Red Sox, with a .255 team batting average, rank fifth in the majors, indicating their capability to produce runs. In their most recent matchup against the Rays on May 22, 2024, the Red Sox demonstrated their offensive prowess by scoring eight runs, including a pivotal five-run fifth inning. This performance underscores their potential to exploit the Rays' pitching vulnerabilities.

On the other hand, the Rays, while struggling with a .230 team batting average, have shown resilience and the ability to challenge opposing pitchers. In the same May encounter, they managed to score five runs, showcasing their capacity to keep games competitive. With Shane Baz on the mound, who has been solid with a 2.38 ERA in September, the Rays will need to provide him with run support to counteract the Red Sox's offensive threats. However, Baz's recent outings have been marred by a lack of support, suggesting that the Rays' bats may awaken to back their starter.

Furthermore, the historical head-to-head stats between these teams this season reveal a pattern of competitive games, with the total score going over the set line in three out of seven encounters. This trend, combined with the desperation both teams face in keeping their playoff hopes alive, suggests an aggressive approach at the plate. As both teams vie for a crucial series win, expect a dynamic and high-energy game that could easily surpass the total runs line, making the over a compelling choice for this matchup.

Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays Top Player Prop Picks

Nick Pivetta Over 6.5 Strikeouts -105 (BetRivers)

Nick Pivetta has been a standout performer for the Boston Red Sox, particularly in his recent outings. With a 1.50 ERA over his last two starts in September, Pivetta has demonstrated his ability to dominate on the mound. His impressive strikeout rate of 10.9 K/9 in 129 1/3 innings this season further underscores his potential to surpass the 6.5 strikeouts line. Given the Tampa Bay Rays' offensive struggles, with a team batting average of just .230, ranking them 27th in the league, Pivetta is well-positioned to exploit their weaknesses and rack up strikeouts. The Rays' recent form, including a lackluster 4-6 road trip, suggests that Pivetta could have a field day against their lineup, making the over on his strikeouts a compelling choice.

Shane Baz Under 5.5 Strikeouts -115 (BetRivers)

Shane Baz, while maintaining a respectable 2.38 ERA in September, has not been a prolific strikeout artist, with a K/9 rate of 7.5 in 60 1/3 innings this season. The Boston Red Sox, boasting a .255 team batting average, rank fifth in the majors and have shown the ability to make contact and generate offense. This could limit Baz's opportunities to accumulate strikeouts. Additionally, the Red Sox's recent offensive performances, including an eight-run game against the Rays earlier this season, highlight their capability to challenge opposing pitchers. With Baz's strikeout potential not fully realized and the Red Sox's offensive prowess, the under on his strikeouts appears to be a prudent pick.

Jonathan Aranda Over 0.5 Total Bases -135 (bet365)

Jonathan Aranda presents a promising option for over 0.5 total bases in this matchup. Despite the Tampa Bay Rays' overall offensive struggles, Aranda has been a consistent contributor when given the opportunity. Facing Nick Pivetta, who, while effective, has allowed a WHIP of 1.14, Aranda could capitalize on any lapses in Pivetta's control. The Red Sox's recent pitching performances have shown vulnerability, as evidenced by their series against the Yankees, where they allowed multiple runs in key innings. Aranda's ability to find gaps and get on base makes the over on his total bases a strong proposition, especially in a game where the Rays will be eager to turn their fortunes around at home.