Tampa Bay Rays (65-65) vs. Seattle Mariners (66-65)
On Tuesday, August 27, the 2024 MLB season continues with a pivotal matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, set to begin at 9:40 PM ET.
This game marks the second contest in a three-game series, excluding Monday’s opener from this analysis. The Mariners hold the edge as a -140 moneyline favorite for Tuesday night, with the over/under set at 7.0 runs.
Feeling stuck with your baseball betting predictions? Check out our MLB Betting Picks to elevate your game!
Rays Struggling to Turn the Tide
The Tampa Bay Rays, currently at 65-65, experienced a setback with a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. This defeat marked their third loss in the last four games, raising concerns about their playoff aspirations.
As of Monday, the Rays find themselves seven games behind the final wild-card spot in the American League. Recent statistics reveal their batting struggles, with a .216 average, .260 on-base percentage, and .382 slugging over the past week, including 13 doubles and seven home runs in 204 at-bats.
Jeffrey Springs is slated to start for Tampa Bay on Tuesday. The 31-year-old left-hander has a 1-2 record with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP across five starts this season, totaling 22 innings pitched. Springs struggled in his last outing, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and two walks against the Oakland Athletics. He rejoined the Rays’ rotation on July 30 after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Boost your betting potential with our exclusive sportsbook promo codes!
Mariners Eyeing Wild Card Spot
The Seattle Mariners improved to 66-65 after a narrow 4-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. This win marked their third in a three-game home series, though they have only managed to win three out of their last twelve games overall. Currently, they sit 4.5 games behind the AL West-leading Houston Astros.
Similar to the Rays, the Mariners have faced difficulties at the plate this season. In the last week, Seattle has a batting line of .227/.352/.301, with six doubles and only two home runs across 163 at-bats. They are particularly reliant on Julio Rodriguez, who has struggled recently, recording just one hit in his last five games and holding a .672 OPS for the season.
Logan Gilbert will take the mound for Seattle. The 27-year-old right-hander has a record of 7-10, a 3.21 ERA, and a 0.91 WHIP in 26 starts this season, totaling 165.2 innings. Gilbert’s most recent performance was disappointing, as he allowed eight runs (six earned) in just 4.2 innings against the Dodgers, resulting in an 8-4 loss.
Ideal Betting Insights for Rays vs. Mariners
Logan Gilbert will aim to bounce back from his last outing. At home this season, he has showcased a strong 2.53 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP, while the current Rays lineup has struggled against him, managing only 5 hits in 22 at-bats. Conversely, the Mariners have had slight success against Jeffrey Springs, going 3-for-9 against him.
Both teams have encountered hitting challenges recently. In the past ten days, the Rays have recorded a 92 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers and a 100 wRC+ against lefties. Meanwhile, the Mariners hold a 62 wRC+ against left-handers and a 107 wRC+ against right-handers.
Both bullpens have shown some consistency in that timeframe, with Tampa Bay posting a 3.38 ERA and Seattle at 3.71. Given Gilbert’s recent home performance, which includes allowing just one run in his last two starts, the Mariners appear to be the safer bet for this matchup.
