The Boston Red Sox (85-70) and the Tampa Bay Rays (75-80) wrap up a 3-game series on Sunday at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Red Sox vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Red Sox lead 10-2

Originally this game was set for 12:35 p.m. ET, but it was moved due to the proximity to Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a game at 1 p.m. ET against the New York Jets, so, for traffic purposes along the Dale Mabry Highway, and surrounding points, the ball game’s first pitch was moved.

The Red Sox have played good baseball lately, and if they go to the postseason, they might have to send Tampa Bay a thank you card. Boston has won 8 straight games against the Rays, and it is a big reason it is above the cut line for a AL Wild Card spot. However, it is just 1 game clear of the red-hot Cleveland Guardians and Houston Astros.

Boston has won the first 2 games of this series by a combined 17-10 over the now-eliminated Rays. Boston cashed as an underdog (+100) as the Over (8) cashed Saturday. Red Sox SS Trevor Story drove in his 95th run Saturday, finishing 1-for-4 with a run scored and a walk. 3B Alex Bregman and DH Masataka Yoshida each finished 2-for-5 with 1 RBI apiece.

For Tampa Bay, LF Jake Mangum went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while 1B Yandy Diaz ended up 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.

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Red Sox at Rays projected starters

LHP Connelly Early vs. RHP Joe Boyle

Early (1-0, 0.87 ERA) makes his third career start. He has a 1.06 WHIP, 0.9 BB/9 and 15.7 K/9 through 10 1/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 7 K in 2-1 home loss against the Athletics Tuesday.2025 career/road stats (1 start): Win, 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 11 K in 6-0 victory vs. A’s in MLB debut Sept. 923-year-old rookie has never faced Rays

Boyle (1-3, 4.64 ERA) makes his eighth start and 12th appearance. He has a 1.27 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 through 42 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 2-1 home loss in 11 innings vs. Toronto Blue Jays MondayLast 7 games: 0-3, 6.75 ERA (26 2/3 IP, 20 ER), 15 BB, 27 K, 1.61 WHIP in 6 starts and 1 relief appearance2025 home stats: 1-1, 2.16 ERA (25 IP, 6 ER), 1 HR, 8 BB, 22 K, 0.96 WHIP in 4 starts (6 appearances)Career vs. Red Sox (1 start): Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K in 3-0 home win Aug. 19, 2024Red Sox 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 7:12 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Red Sox -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Rays +105 (bet $100 to win $105)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Red Sox -1.5 (+135) | Rays +1.5 (-160)Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Red Sox at Rays picks and predictionsPrediction

Red Sox 5, Rays 2

The RED SOX (-125) are a strong play behind the rookie Early. He has been humming along in his first 2 games, albeit against the A’s. He’ll face another team with nothing to play for but pride on Sunday.

The Rays are playing out the string, and can’t wait to get to the golf course, now that they’re officially eliminated. Meanwhile, Boston is in the heat of a playoff chase.

If you’re a bit adventurous, RED SOX -1.5 (+135) is worth playing on the run line.

In 9 of Boston’s past 10 victories, it has gotten the job done by at least 2 runs. So, if you like the Red Sox to win, you should like them to cash on the run line, too.

UNDER 8 (-105) is worth playing lightly, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Under is 7-3-1 in the past 11 games for the Red Sox since Sept. 8, but be careful since the Over has cashed in the first 2 games of this series.

For Tampa Bay, the Under has split 3-3-1 in the past 7 games, while going 5-3 in the past 8 outings at home.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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