Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction: Can Cristian Javier, Shane McClanahan Take Control?
The Houston Astros take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Can Cristian Javier and Shane McClanahan take control on the mound tonight? Handicapper Krabs answers.
Krabs - July 28, 2023, 4:29 PM EDT
5 minHouston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction: Can Cristian Javier, Shane McClanahan Take Control?
Shane McClanahan might have a 2.89 ERA, but he hasn’t pitched like it of late. The Tampa Bay Rays’ ace has given up four or more runs in two of his last three starts. It won’t get any easier for the 26-year-old lefty tonight as he faces the red-hot Houston Astros. Will we see McClanahan revert back to his dominant self, or will the Astros’ bats rough him up once again?
Astros vs. Rays Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: July 28, 2023
- Time: 8:10 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction
Luckily for the Rays, McClanahan isn’t the only starting pitcher taking the mound tonight who’s been struggling. Cristian Javier’s ERA has increased from 2.97 to 4.32 over his last eight starts. He’s lost command of his pitch arsenal, and some are saying it may be his mechanics that are off—either way. Javier is “fadeable” tonight. Although it looks like two solid pitchers are getting the start in this matchup, they both have struggled mightily at times in recent starts.
The Rays have been one of the worst teams in baseball this month. It’s impressive this team is still nearly 20 games over .500, considering they’ve only won a handful of games in July. Although the Rays do have a slight pitching advantage in this matchup, it’s interesting to see them as a favorite against the red-hot Astros.
Just by looking at the lines and props for this game, it seems like both pitchers are going to struggle once again. The Rays offense hasn’t produced much, if at all, in the majority of their games this month, but many of the Rays’ offensive props are juicier than expected tonight.
The oddsmakers know something we don’t, and it looks like the Rays could be breaking out of their slump tonight. We already know the Astros are going to produce against the struggling young lefty tonight, and with the Rays props juicier than normal, back both offenses to shine. Bet the over, and enjoy the show; this one should cash before the seventh inning stretch.
Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays Pick
TB/HOU o8.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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