On Thursday, May 8, the Philadelphia Phillies (20–14) and Tampa Bay Rays (17–16) will play an intriguing interleague game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Right-hander Shane Baz of the Rays will be sent to the mound, while the Phillies will counter with lefty Cristopher Sánchez. Given that both teams are trying to get going in the early part of May, this game presents an intriguing betting chance as well as a fierce pitching battle. Get expert insight on pitching matchups, core hitters, and strategy angles for this game.
Match Overview
| Date | Time (ET) | Venue | Teams | League |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 May 2025 | 7:05 PM | George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL | Tampa Bay Rays @ Philadelphia Phillies | MLB |
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays will host the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The first pitch is set at 7:05 PM ET. The Phillies are the favourites with a moneyline of 1.76, while the Rays are the underdogs (2.11). Philadelphia is the run line favourite (-1.5, 2.28), while the over/under for the game is set at 8.5 runs.
Check out our other prediction for the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets game!
Game Odds & Lines
| Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Rays: 2.11 • Phillies: 1.76 |
| Run Line | Rays +1.5: 1.66 • Phillies -1.5: 2.28 |
| Total Runs (O/U) | Over 8.5: 1.91 • Under 8.5: 1.91 |
Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher (W-L, ERA) |
|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rays | Shane Baz (3-1, 3.86 ERA) |
| Philadelphia Phillies | Cristopher Sánchez (3-1, 3.45 ERA) |
Weather & Ballpark Conditions
| Forecast | Wind | Humidity | Ballpark Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mostly clear, 67°F | Blowing out to left at 5 mph | 60% | Slight edge to hitters |
Last 5 Games Record
| Team | Record (W-L) |
|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rays | 3-2 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 4-1 |
Head-to-Head Record
| Last 5 Meetings | Rays Wins | Phillies Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 |
Key Insights & Betting Trends
- The Phillies have a 55% chance of winning.
- 59% of the time, rays are expected to cover the +1.5 line.
- It is anticipated to hit under 8.5 runs 56% of the time.
- The 3-1 records of the two starting pitchers are the same.
- In their last five games, the Phillies have won four of them.
Check out our other prediction for the Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers game!
Expert Picks & Recommended Bets
| Bet Type | Selection | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Phillies | 1.76 |
| Run Line | Rays +1.5 | 1.66 |
| Total Runs | Under 8.5 | 1.91 |
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Philadelphia Phillies Predicted Outcome
Despite the Phillies’ modest advantage, the Rays’ recent success and Shane Baz’s outstanding play point to a hotly contested game. Anticipate a low-scoring contest in which the Rays could cover the spread.
Check out our other prediction for the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Miami Marlins game!
Sources: https://baseball.realgm.com/, https://www.betus.com.pa/sportsbook/mlb/, https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/mlb, https://www.statsinsider.com.au/
