The Tampa Bay Rays (72-74) visit the Chicago Cubs (83-63) Friday for the opener of a 3-game series. First pitch from Wrigley Field is set for 2:20 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rays vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Ray wons 2-1 in 2024

The Rays lost to the Chicago White Sox 5-1 Thursday, closing as a -122 moneyline favorite. Tampa Bay is just 1-5 over its last 6 contests, a disappointing run which followed a 7-game winning streak. The Rays have been led this season by 3B Junior Caminero, who has 42 HRs and 106 RBIs.

The Cubs are 5 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central and 7 1/2 games ahead of the New York Mets, the team holding the final Wild Card spot. Chicago beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 Wednesday despite being a +144 moneyline underdog. Chicago has won 2 straight games, but is just 1-3 over its last 4 games at home. OF Seiya Suzuki has been the Cubs’ premier weapon, with 27 HRs and 91 RBIs.

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Rays at Cubs projected starters

RHP Shane Baz vs. LHP Matthew Boyd

Baz (9-11, 4.94 ERA) makes his 29th start. He has a 1.34 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 through 155 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 K in 3-2 home loss vs. Cleveland Guardians Saturday2025 road stats: 3-6, 3.59 ERA (77 2/3 IP, 31 ER), 1.16 WHIP, 64 H, 26 BB, 75 K in 13 startsHas yet to face the Cubs in his 4-year career

Boyd (12-8, 2.92 ERA) makes his 29th start. He has a 1.06 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 through 166 1/3 innings.

Last start: Loss, 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 2-1 home loss vs. Washington Nationals Saturday2025 home stats: 10-1, 2.16 ERA (79 1/3 IP, 19 ER), 0.90 WHIP, 60 H, 11 BB, 75 K in 13 startsCareer vs. Rays: 1-1, 3.75 ERA (24 IP, 10 ER), 0.92 WHIP, 10.9 K/9 in 4 startsRays at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rays +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Cubs -175 (bet $175 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-160) | Cubs -1.5 (+135)Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -102 | U: -118)

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Rays at Cubs picks and predictionsPrediction

Cubs 5, Rays 2

AVOID.

Both sides are intriguing here. However, the Cubs (-175) are too expensive to consider, while the Rays (+145) are a bit too risky considering how well Boyd has performed at home.

BET CUBS -1.5 (+135).

The Rays offense has been non-existent over the last week. Since Sept. 5, they have played 6 games and have scored 2 or fewer in 4 of those contests. In Baz’s last 5 starts, the Rays are just 1-4 ATS.

For the Cubs, they’ve been virtually unbeatable with Boyd at Wrigley. Boyd is 10-3 at home in his 13 starts, and of those victories, 7 of them have been by multiple runs. Chicago has scored 25 runs over its last 6 games, so it has batted consistently as well.

Take CUBS -1.5 (+135).

BET UNDER 7.5 (-118).

Both teams are trending toward the Under for both the short- and long-term. The Rays are 63-74-9 O/U on the season and 2-3 O/U in their last 5 contests.

The Cubs, who are 65-70-11 O/U, have gone Under in 6 of their last 8 games, allowing just 3 runs over their last 2 games. Considering those trends, back UNDER 7.5 (-118).

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