The Miami Marlins (23-37) visit the Tampa Bay Rays (33-29) Friday in the opener of a 3-game series. First pitch from George M. Steinbrenner Field is set for 1:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Marlins vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Marlins lead 2-1

The Marlins lost to the Colorado Rockies 3-2 Wednesday. They were swept in that 3-game series by the league’s worst team and have now lost 7 of their last 9 games. Miami’s offense has been the aim issue, scoring 11 total runs in its last 6 games.

The Rays scored 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to stage a come-from-behind 4-3 win against the Texas Rangers Thursday. They swept the Rangers at home and have won 6 of their last 8 games. Tampa Bay is 31-31 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

Marlins at Rays projected starters

RHP Edward Cabrera vs. RHP Zack Littell

Cabrera (2-1, 4.14 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 in 45 2/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 5 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 1-0 home victory vs. the San Francisco Giants Saturday2025 road stats: 1-0, 3.68 ERA (14 2/3 IP, 6 ER), 3.68 WHIP, 8.6 K/9 in 3 startsCareer vs. Rays: 0-2, 7.20 ERA (10 IP, 8 ER), 9 H, 8 BB, 13 K in 3 starts

Littell (5-5, 3.86 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 5.8 K/9 in 74 2/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 9 IP, 3 ER, 10H, 1 BB, 6 K in 16-3 road victory vs. the Houston Astros Saturday2025 home stats: 1-3, 3.78 ERA (33 1/3 IP, 14 ER), 1.14 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 6 startsCareer vs. Marlins: 1-0, 0.00 ERA (3 1/3 IP, 0 ER), 3 H, 0 BB, 4 K in 2 relief appearances

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Marlins 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 6:48 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Marlins +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Rays -170 (bet $170 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Marlins +1.5 (-150) | Rays -1.5 (+125)Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)Marlins at Rays picks and predictionsPrediction

Rays 5, Marlins 2

PASS.

While the moneyline has some value, the Rays (-170) are just slightly too expensive to consider here while the Marlins (+140) are too risky, especially with their recent struggles.

BET RAYS -1.5 (+125).

The Rays have won 11 of their last 14 games with just 2 of those victories coming by a single run. They have won in Littell’s last 7 starts and covered in 6 of those contests.

While the Marlins will have a strong starting option in Cabrera, their recent issues on offense are too much to overlook. They have failed to cover 5 of their last 6 games as well. At 28-22 ATS, Miami actually has the eighth-worst covering rate as an underdog.

Back RAYS -1.5 (+125).

BET UNDER 9.5 (-120).

The Rays have gone Under in 3 of their last 4 games, having held opponents to 4 runs or less in every game since May 18.

The Marlins are 1-5 O/U in their last 6 games, allowing less than 4 runs in 5 of those. With both pitchers holding a sub-4.50 ERA, factor that into this wager as well. Back UNDER 9.5 (-120).

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