Tampa Bay (64-63) at LA Dodgers (76-52)
- When: Aug 23 2024, 10:10 PM
- Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Where to watch: BSSUN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Tampa Bay Rays @ Los Angeles Dodgers
Moneyline
Tampa Bay Rays +166
Los Angeles Dodgers -202
Tampa Bay Rays @ Los Angeles Dodgers
Runline
Tampa Bay Rays 1.5 (-125)
Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+105)
Tampa Bay Rays @ Los Angeles Dodgers
Total
Over 8.5 (-115)
Under 8.5 (-105)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Tampa Bay: Tyler Alexander (5-3, 5.17)
LA Dodgers: Bobby Miller (1-3, 8.02)
Team Stats
| Rays | Dodgers | |
| 64-63 | Record | 76-52 |
| 30-29 | Away & Home | 35-30 |
| 5-5 | Last 10 | 7-3 |
| L1 | Streak | W4 |
Game Preview
As the Los Angeles Dodgers aim to solidify their division lead, they prepare for a three-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Right-hander Bobby Miller will take the mound for the Dodgers in the series opener on Friday night, looking to fulfill the expectations that had him marked as a key member of the rotation. However, his disappointing season has raised questions about his future.
With their National League West lead recently narrowed to two games, the Dodgers have rebounded with a 5-1 stretch, now holding a four-game advantage over the Arizona Diamondbacks heading into Friday’s matchup.
Miller (1-3, 8.02 ERA) is making just his second start since being demoted to Triple-A, and he needs to improve upon his recent outing. Last Saturday, against the St. Louis Cardinals, Miller allowed four runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings during a 5-2 loss. While he walked only one batter, he struggled to strike out hitters and surrendered two home runs.
"It’s challenging to pitch from behind, and he was behind hitters all night," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked. "It took him several innings to find his breaking ball, and he was out of gas by the end."
This will be Miller’s first encounter with the Rays.
In a roster move on Thursday, the Dodgers activated Chris Taylor (groin) from the injured list, while outfielder Jason Heyward was designated for assignment. This decision removes a vital leader from the lineup as the Dodgers approach the stretch run.
The Rays will counter with Tyler Alexander (5-3, 5.17 ERA), making his seventh start of the season without an opener. The left-hander will face Dodgers left-handed hitters like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in the first inning. Alexander has performed well lately, going 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his last five outings. His last start saw him allow three runs in 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Diamondbacks, with the Rays eventually winning 8-7 in 12 innings.
Alexander has faced the Dodgers once before, allowing four runs in 2 1/3 innings during a 2022 start, in which Taylor hit one of the home runs.
The Rays are coming off a split in a four-game series against the Oakland Athletics, following a sweep of the Diamondbacks. After losing 3-1 to Oakland on Thursday, Tampa Bay finds itself seven games behind for the final wild-card spot in the American League.
"I don’t think we should accept splits; that’s not our standard," said Rays manager Kevin Cash. "We need to do better at finding ways to score runs if we want to get back into contention."
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: LA Dodgers 6-4
Expert Pick: LA Dodgers -202 & Over 8½ (-151)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $280
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
