Expert prediction
Rays vs Cubs Odds, and Picks (May 30)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Rays fell to the Cubs on Monday, losing 1-0.
- Chicago’s win could be the key to a change of pace.
- Tampa Bay is 10-7 in their all-time history against the Cubs.
The Rays (39-17) and the Cubs (23-30) match up in an interleague bout. Tampa Bay has cooled off a bit, but remains at the top of the MLB, while Chicago is in free-fall, trying to stop their slide before it’s too late.
How to Watch
- Bally Sports
Preview
Tampa Bay was blanked by the Cubs on Monday, allowing Marcus Stroman to pitch a complete game shutout. This came off the heels of an 11-10 win over the Dodgers, illustrating the Rays tendency to be streaky. Even so, they remain as the MLB’s top team in record, having won 7 out of their last 11 games. They no longer hold the best run differential, though, and are now only 4 games ahead in the AL East.
The Cubs rode the back of Marcus Stroman to a stellar win over the MLB’s best team, snapping their 4-game losing streak. Chicago has now gone 4-11 in their last 15 games, really struggling to stay afloat. They’ll aim to build on Monday’s win, but will need the rest of their pitchers to pick up the slack. A series win against the Rays would give the Cubs momentum moving forward, but more losses would be killer.
The Cubs have the homefield advantage in this game, which gives them a chance at winning. Their victory on Monday proved their ability to win against tough teams. That being said, they won’t have Stroman on the mound again for this one. Instead, it’ll be Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 6.23 ERA), who will be forced to go up against Tampa Bay’s ace in Shane McClanahan (8-0, 1.97 ERA). I see the Rays to winning this game easily.
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