- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
San Diego (72-63) at Tampa Bay (80-54)
- When: Aug 29 2026, 4:10 PM
- Where: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg
- TV: RAYS
San Diego vs Tampa Bay MLB Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -130
Runline: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+165)
Total: 8.0
Tampa Bay Had a Pretty Good Friday
The Rays already won Friday twice before most people finished dinner.
First, Tampa Bay received approval to move forward with its $2.3 billion future stadium. Then the Rays celebrated by beating San Diego 9-4 and improving to an American League-best 44-23 at home.
Tampa Bay scored five runs on only two hits during a fourth inning that became an instructional video titled “How Not to Play Defense.” Casey Mize’s throwing error opened the floodgates, and the Padres donated five unearned runs.
Junior Caminero also extended his hitting streak to 11 games with an RBI single.
Buehler Is Heating Up
San Diego sends Walker Buehler to the mound with an 8-6 record and 4.63 ERA.
Those season numbers aren’t exactly Cy Young material, but Buehler has been much sharper lately. He allowed just one run over six innings in wins against Minnesota and Milwaukee, while surrendering two runs across six innings against the Mets.
He’s also 2-0 with a 4.00 ERA in three career starts against Tampa Bay.
Martinez Gives Tampa the Edge
The Rays counter with All-Star Nick Martinez, who enters 13-4 with an impressive 2.93 ERA.
Martinez has won three of his last four starts and was outstanding against Baltimore in his latest outing, throwing six shutout innings while allowing only one hit and striking out four.
His career numbers against San Diego aren’t pretty, 1-4 with a 4.88 ERA but his current form matters considerably more to our betting ticket.
LVSB Betting Prediction
Tampa Bay is a -130 moneyline favorite, with Rays -1.5 paying +165 and the total set at 8.0.
Buehler has improved, but Martinez owns the stronger season profile and Tampa Bay has been ridiculously good at home.
At +165, the Rays run line offers some temptation for bettors willing to embrace danger.
LVSB Score Prediction
Pick: Tampa Bay Rays -130
Lean: Rays -1.5 (+165)
Total: Over 7.5 Alt Lines (-130)
- MLB Baseball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
