The Tampa Bay Rays (71-72) and Philadelphia Phillies (85-58) begin a 3-game series on Monday. First pitch from Citizens Bank Park is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s check out FanDuel Sportsbook’s odds around the Rays vs Phillies Opportunities and place your best bets with our expert MLB tips and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Phillies won all 3 meetings in 2023

The Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles 2-0 on Sunday thanks to a strong pitching performance and a key home run. RHP Zack Littell and four relievers combined for a 5-hit shutout, while LF Johnny DeLucaThe 2-run HR in the 6th inning secured the win. This victory was the Rays’ first road win since August 6-8 in St. Louis and their first in Baltimore since 2021.

The Phillies lost 10-1 to the Miami Marlins on Sunday. RHP Seth Johnson struggled in his MLB debut, allowing 9 ER in 2 1/3 IP (8 H, 3 BB, 0 K). 1B Bryce HarperThe RBI single was Philadelphia’s only run. Despite the loss, the Phillies won the season series 7-6.

Expected starters for Rays at Phillies

RHP Cole Sulzer against LHP Christopher Sanchez

Sulser (0-0, 4.35 ERA) makes his 2nd start and 8th appearance. He has a WHIP of 1.36, 5.2 BB/9 and 9.6 K/9 in 10 1/3 IP.

• Last appearance: No decision, 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K in the 9-4 home win against Minnesota Twins on Wednesday
• Acquired from the New York Mets for cash on July 26
• Has not pitched more than 2 2/3 innings in any of his 39 Major League and Triple-A appearances this season

Sanchez (10-9, 3.45 ERA) is making his 28th start. He has a WHIP of 1.26, 2.0 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 159 IP.

• Last start: Win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 7 K in the 4-2 away win against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday
• 2024 Home Splits: 7-3, 2.24 ERA (92 1/3 IP, 27 R (23 ER), 0.96 WHIP, 8.2 K/9 in 14 starts
• Last start against Rays: No decision, 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 2 K in a 3-1 away win on July 6, 2023

Who goes yard? Here is a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. These include the BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE receives an offer of $1,500 for his first bet.

Rays at Phillies odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; for a complete list visit the USA TODAY sports scores and betting odds hub. Odds last updated at 12:16 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Rays +168 (bet $100 to win $168) | Phillies -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
• Run Line (RL)/Against the Spread: Rays +1.5 (-134) | Phillies -1.5 (+112)
• Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -102 | U: -120)

Tips and predictions for the Rays at the Phillies

forecast

Phillies 6, Rays 2

Money line

HAPPEN.

I’m betting on the Phillies (-200) to win the opening game of this series, but I’ll bet on the run line with the more attractive odds in this duel.

Running Line/Against the Spread

BET PHILLIES -1.5 (+112).

Betting on the Phillies to cover the run line against the Rays on Monday night seems like a solid bet. The Phillies are locked in a fierce race with the LA Dodgers for the best record in the NL and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. After splitting their recent series with the Marlins and losing their last two games, they really need a win, especially now that they’re back in Philly.

The Rays are sending out an opener who has never pitched more than 3 innings in a game, which is a huge advantage for the Phillies. Sanchez has been in top form, allowing just 2 ER per game in his last 4 starts. Additionally, the Phillies have won their last 3 games against the Rays, covering the run line each time. Given all of this, taking the Phillies on the run line seems like a smart move.

Over/Under

HAPPEN.

I’m not happy enough with the trends for this game to make a recommendation. The O/D is 5:5 in the last 10 meetings.

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