The LA Dodgers (63-46) visit the Tampa Bay Rays (54-56) Friday to play the first game of a 3-game series. First pitch from George M. Steinbrenner Field is at 7:35 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Dodgers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Dodgers won 2024 series 2-1

The Dodgers were off on Thursday and enter this series 3-3 on their current road trip. They took 2 of 3 games from the Cincinnati Reds, but they lost the finale 5-2 Wednesday. 1B Freddie Freeman hit a solo homer and drove in both runs for the Dodgers, but 1B Spencer Steer’s 2-run triple in the eighth inning gave the Reds the win. RP Emmet Sheehan allowed 3 unearned runs in 3 2/3 IP innings, taking the loss.

The Rays have been struggling. They return home for a series after going 1-6 on their road trip. They have lost 3 in a row, including a 7-4 defeat on Thursday to the New York Yankees. SP Ryan Pepiot allowed all 7 runs in 4 innings, including a 3-run homer to C Ben Rice.

Dodgers at Rays projected starters

LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP Shane Baz

Kershaw (4-2, 3.62 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.29 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 5.9 K/9 through 59 2/3 innings.

Last start: Loss, 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 4-2 road loss to the Boston Red Sox last SaturdayWent 0-2 with 4.71 ERA in 4 starts in JulyCareer vs. Rays: 2-0, 4.44 ERA (24 1/3 IP, 12 ER), 1.27 WHIP, 10.0 K/9 in 4 starts2025 road splits: 2-2, 2.83 ERA (28 2/3 IP, 9 ER), 1.15 WHIP, 6.6 K/9 in 6 starts

Baz (8-7, 4.61 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 1.30 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 8.8 K/9 through 119 innings.

Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 2-1 road loss to the Cincinnati Reds on SundayRays are 0-5 in his last 5 startsFacing Dodgers for first time2025 home splits: 5-3. 6.33 ERA (58 1/3 IP, 41 ER), 1.46 WHIP, 9.9 K/9 in 11 starts

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Dodgers 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 8:56 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Dodgers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Rays +118 (bet $100 to win $118)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Dodgers -1.5 (+115) | Rays +1.5 (-140)Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -118 | U: -102)Dodgers at Rays picks and predictionsPrediction

Dodgers 5, Rays 3

The Rays are 31-28 at home this season and 29-32 against teams with winning records. The Dodgers are 28-25 on the road and 38-17 against teams that are not above .500. Plus, Baz has lost 4 straight starts and the Rays are 0-5 in his last 5 outings.

Kershaw didn’t get a win in July, but August is a new month. Expect the Dodgers to win the opener, but you will get better odds with the run line.

PASS.

Eight of the Rays’ last 10 losses have been by more than 1 run. Both the Dodgers’ wins over the Rays in 2024 were by more than 1 run. Also, 5 of the Dodgers’ last 7 wins have been by more than one run.

BET DODGERS -1.5 (+115).

The Dodgers’ last 7 games and 8 of their last 9 contests have not reached double-digit runs. Their last 13 wins have not reached double-digit totals.

Five of the Rays’ last 7 games have not reached 10 total runs.

BET UNDER 9 (-102).

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