Rays vs. Dodgers Odds & Betting Predictions - August 25, 2024

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice First off, the Tampa Bay Rays' offense against left-handed pitching is currently in the bottom 5 of most major statistical key areas, which includes batting average, runs per game, and hits per game. Considering that they will go up against Clayton Kershaw—a top left-handed starter in the big leagues—this is even more alarming. While Kershaw has been in fine form with a 2.63 ERA over 24 2/3 IP this season, actually, he has been pretty good this year. Notably, in his last outing, Kershaw turned in a master class performance: six scoreless innings thrown against the St. Louis Cardinals. This trend includes that the Under is 5-0 in the Rays' last five games versus left-handed starters—more to the point of consistency elaborated regarding Tampa Bay's struggles in such situations. On the other side, it'll be Taj Bradley getting the ball for the Rays. Bradley has been fairly sharp in his own right, owning a 3.55 ERA and holding opposing hitters to a .218 average. His ability to prevent opposing teams from scoring opportunities is huge here against a Dodgers lineup that's powerful but has recently shown vulnerability against elite pitching. Both bullpens are secure; that's an important component in locking down low-scoring games.

I know Kershaw is going to be handled with kid gloves right now, but he still will have enough of a leash to go 5+ innings. Cleared in each of his last 2, and only has allowed 2 runs and 15 WHIP in his 16.1 IP over his L3 starts. Tampa can’t hit anything right now - 93 wRC+ and a .679 OPS over the L30 vs southpaws. And their high pitches per PA is mitigated by the fact that Kershaw is throwing a ton of strikes (66% strike% and a 45.5% zone% would be in the top 15th percentile if he qualified).

Flat to -175