The Detroit Tigers (48-29) and Tampa Bay Rays (42-34) play the second game of their 3-game series Saturday. First pitch from George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is set for 12:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Tigers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rays lead 1-0.

The Rays powered past the Tigers 14-8 Friday, cashing as -101 home favorites with the Over 8 hitting easily. C Matt Thaiss went 3-for-4 with a double and 4 RBIs, while DH Yandy Díaz added 2 solo homers in a 3-for-5 effort. It marked Tampa Bay’s sixth win in their last 8 games.

SP Jack Flaherty was roughed up, allowing 8 earned runs on 6 hits in just 2 1/3 innings. OF Riley Greene had a big night, going 3-for-3 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs. 3B Colt Keith added a 2-run homer in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough as Detroit dropped its fourth game in 6.

Tigers at Rays projected starters

RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long vs. RHP Ryan Pepiot

Gipson-Long (0-0, 3.97 ERA) is making his second start. He has a 1.15 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 11 1/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 3 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 5-4 victory at Chicago White Sox June 4Career: 1-0, 3.16 ERA (31 1/3 IP, 11 ER), 1.12 WHIP, 10.3 K/9 in 7 appearances (5 starts)Has never faced the Rays as starter.

Pepiot (4-6, 3.11 ERA) is making his 16th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 through 89 2/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 11 K in 7-1 home victory against the Baltimore Orioles Monday2025 home stats: 3-3, 3.25 ERA (61 IP, 22 ER), 1.15 WHIP, 8.9 K/9 in 10 startsCareer vs. Tigers: 0-1, 2.12 ERA (17 IP, 4 ER), 1.06 WHIP, 7.4 K/9 in 3 games (2 starts)

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Tigers at Rays odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Tigers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Rays -130 (bet $130 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Tigers +1.5 (-200) | Rays -1.5 (+165)Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)Tigers at Rays picks and predictionsPrediction

Rays 7, Tigers 6

BET RAYS (-130).

It’s tough to go against the hot team, and right now that’s Tampa Bay. While Detroit still owns one of the better records in baseball, their recent play hasn’t reflected it. The Rays have won 8 of their last 11 at home and have scored 10+ runs in 2 of their last 3 games. They’re hitting .261 at home – 7th best in the majors – while Detroit has allowed opponents to reach double digits in 2 of their last 6 outings. On the mound, Pepiot has been sharp at home, going 2-0 while allowing just 3 earned runs over his last 3 starts (21 innings). With the offense rolling and Pepiot dealing, Tampa Bay is in a strong position to keep the momentum going. Back the Rays Saturday.

PASS.

I don’t mind taking the Rays on the run line, but since they are playing against such a good team as Detroit, I’ll keep my wager to the moneyline.

BET OVER 9 (+100).

It’s tough to pass on even money for the Over in Saturday’s matchup. The Tigers have hit the Over in 7 straight games, and with a relatively inexperienced starter on the mound, that trend could continue. Game 1 of the series easily soared over the total. Stick with the momentum and ride the Over again.

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