Atlanta (4-10) at Tampa Bay (6-8)
- When: Apr 13 2025, 1:40 PM
- Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
- Where to watch: FDSSO
MLB Betting Preview & Predictions: Braves vs Rays
Moneyline: Atlanta -136 | Total: 7.5
Atlanta Braves Outlook
The Braves haven’t looked like contenders out of the gate, but Saturday’s come-from-behind win showed flashes of the team that dominated last season. Down 4-2 in the ninth, Atlanta launched two late homers – including a walk-off from Michael Harris II – to take the second game of the series 5-4. Sean Murphy added two solo bombs, and Ozzie Albies also went deep.
Veteran lefty Chris Sale takes the mound Sunday with something to prove. The reigning NL Cy Young winner is off to a rocky start in 2025, going 0-1 with a bloated 6.75 ERA over 14.2 innings. His velocity is down, hitters are teeing off (.306 average), and he’s nowhere near the dominant form from 2024 when he posted an 18-3 record and 2.38 ERA.
But there’s hope: Sale has owned Tampa Bay in his career, sporting an 11-7 mark with a 3.04 ERA and .203 opponent average in 25 appearances. If there’s a spot for him to rebound, this might be it.
Tampa Bay Rays Outlook
Tampa Bay wasted chances in Saturday’s loss, stranding multiple runners in scoring position despite a perfect 5-for-5 day from Jonathan Aranda (including a homer and 3 RBIs). Manager Kevin Cash expressed frustration with his team’s inability to cash in during high-leverage moments, which has plagued the Rays during this recent stretch.
They’ll counter with rising right-hander Shane Baz, who’s been sharp in limited action. Baz is 1-0 with a stellar 1.38 ERA through two starts, striking out 10 without a walk against Pittsburgh and cruising against the Angels. His high-90s fastball and filthy curveball are a nightmare combo, but this will be his first test against Atlanta’s experienced lineup.
Betting Prediction
With both teams fighting early-season inconsistencies, Sunday’s rubber match comes down to which starter steps up. If Sale can rediscover his rhythm – even just briefly – the Braves’ bats might have enough to carry them through. Baz has been electric, but Atlanta’s offense looked alive Saturday and could build on that momentum.
Final Score Prediction: Braves 4, Rays 3
Pick: Braves ML (-136)
Lean: Under 7.5 (-105) – if Sale bounces back and Baz keeps dealing, this could be a low-scoring affair.
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
