Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Prediction: Are We Fading Shane McClanahan, Dane Dunning?

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Prediction: Are We Fading Shane McClanahan, Dane Dunning?

Last year, Shane McClanahan pitched so well in the first half of the season that he earned the starting nod in the All-Star Game. After getting roughed up in that contest, the young lefty then went on to struggle after the All-Star break. Fast forward to today, and we’re witnessing history repeat itself once again. The Rays’ ace looked like the best pitcher in baseball until about two weeks ago. Are the wheels once again falling off the McClanahan wagon around the halfway mark of the MLB season?

Rays vs. Rangers Date, Time and Where to Watch

• Date: July 17, 2023
• Time: 8:05 pm ET
• Where to Watch: MLBTV

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Prediction

McClanahan isn’t the only pitcher taking the mound tonight who’s been struggling. Dane Dunning exceeded expectations for the greater part of three months but is coming off his worst start of the season against the lowly Nationals. Don’t be surprised if the Rays hit him even harder tonight.

If you look at Dunning’s expected stats, you’ll come to find out he’s one of the luckiest pitchers in baseball this season. Well, luck doesn’t last very long at the major league level, and it seems as if Dunning’s may be running out. The Rays are much better at home, but their lineup should still cause nightmares for the Rangers’ 28-year-old starter.

These pitchers have both been known to let their emotions get the best of them at times in their young but impressive careers. When Shane is dialed in, or when Dunning is in his groove like back in April when he posted a 1.77 ERA, I want no business fading these gentlemen. The street goes both ways though, and when these young starters get in their own heads, like Shane post-2022 All-Star break or Dunning when he got demoted to the bullpen last year, they become very fade-able.

Let’s not kid ourselves, these are two of the best offenses in Major League Baseball. With Shane and Dane struggling, expect fireworks from both offenses in a hitter-friendly ballpark. The Rangers are coming into this series off a sweep against the Guardians; their offense is feeling confident against a vulnerable McClanahan. Although the total looks high with these pitchers on the bump, don’t fall for the squarest play on the board, the under. Fade both these struggling arms, and back Texas and Tampa Bay to do what they’ve been doing all season, hit.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Pick

PICK: TB/TEX o8.5 (-120) Click here to check out which sportsbook has the best odds