Tampa Bay (55-53) at Houston (56-52)
- When: Aug 2 2024, 8:10 PM
- Where: Minute Maid Park, Houston
- Where to watch: SCHN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Tampa Bay Rays @ Houston Astros
Moneyline
Tampa Bay Rays +134
Houston Astros -160
Tampa Bay Rays @ Houston Astros
Runline
Tampa Bay Rays 1.5 (-160)
Houston Astros -1.5 (+135)
Tampa Bay Rays @ Houston Astros
Total
Over 7.5 (-115)
Under 7.5 (-105)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Tampa Bay: Shane Baz (0-1, 3.66)
Houston: Yusei Kikuchi (4-9, 4.75)
Team Stats
| Bay Rays | Astros | |
| 55-53 | Record | 56-52 |
| 25-24 | Away & Home | 25-28 |
| 6-4 | Last 10 | 4-6 |
| L1 | Streak | W1 |
Game Preview
The Houston Astros revamped their pitching staff with the trade deadline deals for left-handers Yusei Kikuchi and Caleb Ferguson, leading to the departure of right-handers Rafael Montero and Seth Martinez. This change came just ahead of their 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
Following an off day on Thursday, the Astros will start a three-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday with their updated bullpen. Ferguson, acquired from the New York Yankees, joins the Astros, while Martinez has been sent to Triple-A Sugar Land, and Montero, who was in the second year of a three-year, $34.5 million contract, was designated for assignment.
Montero, a key contributor to the 2022 World Series champions, struggled after signing his new contract, posting a 4.94 ERA in his last 109 appearances. Astros general manager Dana Brown cited Montero’s frustration and struggles as reasons for the bullpen shake-up. "We felt these moves would strengthen our bullpen, which has been working hard all year," Brown said.
Kikuchi (4-9, 4.75 ERA) will debut for the Astros on Friday. Acquired in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, Kikuchi had 130 strikeouts over 115 2/3 innings with Toronto, though he had mixed results in his final months with the team. He holds a 3.72 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) against the Rays and allowed three runs in his season debut against them in March.
The Rays will counter with right-hander Shane Baz (0-1, 3.66), who is making his first career start against the Astros. Baz, who returned this season after Tommy John surgery, went six innings in his last outing against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing two runs and striking out seven.
Additionally, the Rays recently acquired Christopher Morel from the Chicago Cubs. Morel homered in back-to-back games and has shown power throughout his career, adding depth to the Rays’ lineup after the trade of All-Star Isaac Paredes.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Houston 5-3
Expert Pick: Houston -160 & Over 7½ (-115)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $304
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
