The Tampa Bay Rays (64-68) and Cleveland Guardians (65-66) wrap up their 3-game series Wednesday. First pitch from Progressive Field in Cleveland, is set for 1:10 p.m ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rays vs. Guardians odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 1-1
After a 9-0 loss in Monday’s opener, the Guardians snapped their 6-game skid Tuesday with a 3-0 shutout win over the Rays, cashing as -108 home favorites while the Under (7.5) hit. Three pitchers combined to allow just 5 hits, led by SP Parker Messick (7 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 6 K), who earned his first MLB victory. Cleveland’s offense was fueled by RBIs from 1B Kyle Manzardo, C Bo Naylor, and SS Brayan Rocchio.
The Rays saw their 3-game winning streak snapped Tuesday as SP Shane Baz (6 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K) dropped his seventh straight decision. Offensively, 1B Yandy Díaz provided most of the production, recording 3 of Tampa Bay’s 5 hits.
Rays at Guardians projected starters
RHP Drew Rasmussen vs. RHP Slade Cecconi
Rasmussen (10-5, 2.62 ERA) is making his 26th start. He has a 0.99 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 123 2/3 innings.
Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 6-4 loss against the New York Yankees last Wednesday2025 road stats: 5-0, 2.68 ERA (47 IP, 14 ER), 0.98 WHIP, 7.5 K/9 in 10 startsCareer vs. Guardians: 0-0, 6.75 ERA (6 2/3 IP, 5 ER), 1.50 WHIP, 4.5 K/9 in 4 games (2 starts); last in 2024
Cecconi (5-6, 4.41 ERA) is making his 18th start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 through 96 innings.
Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 4-3 loss at the Texas Rangers Friday2025 home stats: 1-3, 5.48 ERA (46 IP, 28 ER), 1.41 WHIP, 6.1 K/9 in 8 startsHas never started against the Rays
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Rays at Guardians odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:21 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Rays -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Guardians +110 (bet $100 to win $110)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+130) | Guardians +1.5 (-155)Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)Rays at Guardians picks and predictionsPrediction
Rays 3, Guardians 2
BET RAYS (-130).
The Guardians may have snapped their losing streak Tuesday, but the momentum isn’t likely to carry over into Wednesday’s series finale. Cleveland has dropped 4 of its last 5 home games and has struggled offensively at Progressive Field all season, hitting just .226 at home (second-worst in the MLB). Adding to the concern, they’ll turn to Cecconi, who has been roughed up in August. He’s 0-2 with a 6.86 ERA over 4 starts (19 2/3 innings) this month.
The Rays counter with Rasmussen, who hasn’t lost a decision since June 19. He’s been excellent in August, posting a 2-0 record and a 1.16 ERA across 4 starts (23 1/3 innings). Tampa Bay’s offense has also caught fire, batting .278 over the last week (sixth best in MLB) while launching 11 home runs during that stretch.
With the Guardians struggling at home and Cecconi faltering, the Rays look poised to finish off the series with a win Wednesday.
PASS.
No need to play with the run line, keep your bet to the safer moneyline.
BET UNDER 8 (-115).
The Under looks like the stronger play for Wednesday’s matchup. It has cashed in 9 of the last 10 meetings between the Guardians and Rays, pointing to a consistent low-scoring trend. Cleveland has also gone Under in 4 of its last 6 games, while Rasmussen has seen the Under hit in 4 of his last 6 starts. With Rasmussen likely to limit Cleveland’s offense, the Under has solid value once again.
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