The Tampa Bay Rays (55-58) and the Los Angeles Angels (54-58) open a 3-game series Monday. First pitch from Angel Stadium in Anaheim is scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rays vs. Angels odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Angels lead 2-1
The Rays dropped 2 of 3 games vs. the LA Dodgers in Tampa, wrapping up the set with a 3-0 loss as +139 underdogs Sunday with the Under (8.5) cashing. The Rays have been shut out twice over their last 3 games.
The Angels are coming off a 2-1 series loss vs. the Chicago White Sox in Anaheim. They avoided a 3-game sweep with an 8-5 win in Sunday’s finale, cashing as -122 favorites with the Over (9.5) hitting. LF Taylor Ward hit a walk-off 3-run homer in the ninth inning, and SS Zach Neto drove in 3 runs, including a solo shot in the sixth.
Rays at Angels projected starters
RHP Adrian Houser vs. LHP Yusei Kikuchi
Houser (6-2, 2.10 ERA) makes his Rays debut and 12th start of the season. He posted a 1.22 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 in 68 2/3 innings with the White Sox.
Was acquired Thursday from White SoxLast start: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K in 12-5 home victory vs. Chicago Cubs FridayHas never faced Angels
Kikuchi (4-7, 3.30 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 through 128 innings.
Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 3 ER (4 R), 10 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 8-5 home victory vs. Texas Rangers Tuesday2025 vs. Rays: 1 road start (April 9), loss, 6 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 5-4 setback
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Rays at Angels odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:31 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Rays +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Angels -125 (bet $125 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-190) | Angels -1.5 (+155)Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)Rays at Angels picks and predictionsPrediction
Rays 5, Angels 4
Tampa Bay tagged Kikuchi for 4 ER in their last meeting, and the veteran left-hander has allowed at least 3 ER in 4 of his past 5 starts. He’s also surrendered 7 or more hits in each of his last 2 outings. Monday’s series opener could play out much like his first start against the Rays this season.
BET RAYS (+105).
The bid/ask difference is too high in this market.
PASS on the run line.
The Over has cashed in 5 of Kikuchi’s last 6 starts and in each of the last 2 for Houser. The Angels have also gone 5-1 to the Over in their last 6 games.
BET OVER 8.5 (-105).
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