Detroit (48-29) at Tampa Bay (42-34)
- When: Jun 21 2025, 12:10 PM
- Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
- Where to watch: FDSSUN
Tigers vs. Rays – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -128 | Total: 9.0
Detroit Tigers Preview
Despite holding the best record in the American League for over a month, Detroit has been cursed by the Saturday schedule gods. After starting the year 5-0 in Saturday matchups during April, the Tigers are now a disastrous 0-7 in their last seven Saturday games and have been outscored 42-13 in those losses. Yikes.
Now they’ll try to turn that misfortune around with Sawyer Gipson-Long on the mound. The right-hander is making just his second start of the season and first against Tampa Bay. He’s appeared in three games this year after missing all of last season due to elbow and hip surgeries.
Manager A.J. Hinch is hoping for length out of his starter after four relievers were burned through in Friday’s lopsided 14-8 defeat. “It’s not ideal,” Hinch admitted, “but we’ll grind.”
Tampa Bay Rays Preview
The Rays are red-hot, winners of six of their last eight and just dropped 16 hits on the Tigers in Friday’s opener. Every batter in the lineup recorded at least one hit, and they now look like a team surging back into AL contention.
Yandy Diaz is leading the charge with an 11-game hitting streak, hitting .468 over that span with four home runs and 10 RBIs. Tampa Bay is now 21-8 since May 20, tops in the majors over that stretch.
Ryan Pepiot takes the hill for the Rays, riding a hot hand with a 1.62 ERA over his last five outings. He’s coming off a dominant eight-inning performance against the Orioles, striking out a season-high 11.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
Until Detroit proves it can win on a Saturday again, especially on the road and with an untested arm on the mound, the Rays are the better bet here. Ride the Tampa momentum.
Score Prediction: Rays 6, Tigers 3
Pick: Tampa Bay RL -1.5 (+150)
Total: Under 8.5 Alt Lines (-135)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
