The Detroit Tigers (48-30) and Tampa Bay Rays (43-34) wrap up their 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is set for 12:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Tigers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Rays lead 2-0
After a 14-8 win in the series opener Friday, the Rays cruised to an 8-3 win over the Tigers on Saturday, cashing as -134 home favorites as the Over (8) hit. Tampa Bay launched 3 home runs—one each from C Danny Jansen, 3B Junior Caminero, and OF Christopher Morel. SP Ryan Pepiot (5 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K) earned the win as the Rays picked up their third victory in their last 4 games.
Detroit opener Brant Hurter and starter Sawyer Long-Gibson combined to allow 8 runs (4 earned) over 7 innings in Saturday’s loss. The Tigers got RBIs from OF Jahmai Jones, C Dillon Dingler, and C Jake Rogers, but it wasn’t enough as Detroit dropped its third straight game.
Tigers at Rays projected starters
RHP Casey Mize vs. RHP Zack Littell
Mize (7-2, 2.96 ERA) is making his 13th start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 67 innings.
- Last start: Win, 6 IP, 2 ER (3 R), 5 H, 0 BB, 4 K in 7-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday
- 2025 road stats: 3-2, 3.82 ERA (37 2/3 IP, 16 ER), 1.41 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 7 starts
- Career vs. Rays: 0-1, 6.43 ERA (7 IP, 5 ER), 1.57 WHIP, 11.6 K/9 in 3 games (2 starts); last in 2021
Littell (6-7, 3.88 ERA) is making his 16th start. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 5.9 K/9 through 92 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 5-1 defeat against the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday
- 2025 home stats: 2-4, 3.57 ERA (45 1/3 IP, 18 ER), 1.13 WHIP, 7.5 K/9 in 8 starts
- Career vs. Tigers: 2-2, 3.48 ERA (20 2/3 IP, 8 ER), 1.16 WHIP, 7.4 K/9 in 7 games (3 starts)
Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!
Tigers 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 12:01 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Tigers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Rays -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Tigers -1.5 (+155) | Rays +1.5 (-190)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Tigers at Rays picks and predictions
Prediction
Tigers 7, Rays 3
BET TIGERS (-105).
I like the Tigers to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon. Despite dropping 3 straight, Detroit is still a solid 22-18 on the road. Mize should help stabilize things as he’s been reliable away from home, with a winning road record and just 2.4 runs allowed per game over his last 5 road starts. The Tigers also have a good matchup offensively against Littell. The Rays’ right-hander lost both of his starts against Detroit last season, giving up 8 ER over 10 2/3 IP. He also enters Sunday having lost his last 2 outings. This Tigers team is more capable than its recent form suggests, and with the pitching edge and a favorable matchup, this looks like a strong bounce-back spot for Detroit.
PASS.
I don’t mind taking the Tigers on the run line, but I’ll play it safe since Detroit has been struggling and take them on the moneyline.
BET OVER 9 (+100).
I’m not passing on the even money for the Over in Sunday’s matchup. The Tigers have hit the Over in 8 straight games, and with a Littell on the mound, that trend should continue. Both games in this series have easily soared over the total. Stick with the momentum and ride the Over again.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
