MLB: Pirates vs Rays Odds, and Prop Bets (May 4)

• Pittsburgh has had a fantastic start, currently sitting at 20-10.
• The Rays continue to be the best team in the entire MLB, at 24-6.
• Tampa Bay is 10-9 in their all-time history against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates and the Rays face off in an interesting interleague bout. Both teams have surpassed their expectations so far this season, earning 1st place spots in their divisions. There are key bets on both sides.

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How to Watch

• Where: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
• When: Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 1:10 p.m ET
• How to Watch: Bally Sports

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Prop Bets

Prop Bet	Odds
Conner Joe Over 0.5 Hits
Conner Joe Under 0.5 Hits

Prediction:

Conner Joe has had a fantastic start to the 2023 season. He is currently hitting .298, and has an OPS of .987, which ranks 12th in all of Major League Baseball. Joe is taking full advantage of his increased role in his first season with the Pirates. He’s gotten a hit in 4 of his last 5 games, and reached base in all 5. In Tuesday’s loss against the Rays, Joe went 2 for 4. I like his chances of getting another hit in this game.

Pick:

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Prop Bet	Odds
Bryan Reynolds Over 0.5 RBIs
Bryan Reynolds Under 0.5 RBIs

Prediction:

Bryan Reynolds is also having a key impact for the Pirates in their hot start, ranking 8th in the MLB with a .330 batting average, and a strong .957 OPS. Reynolds has followed a strange pattern over his career. In odd seasons (2019, 2021, 2023), he batted .315 with a .916 OPS. In even seasons (2020, 2022), he batted .225 with an OPS of .720. Injuries played a role in that, but I see Reynolds continuing his strong 2023 here.

Pick:

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Prop Bet	Odds
Zach Eflin Over 5.5 Strikeouts
Zach Eflin Under 5.5 Strikeouts

Prediction:

Zach Eflin has pitched very well so far this season, giving up 7 earned runs in 21 IP, equivalent to a 3.00 ERA. Eflin hasn’t had the best length, throwing an average of 74 pitches in his 4 starts thus far. This has resulted in a lower strikeout total, despite his strong performances. Against a Pirates team that has been strong on offense all season so far, I see Eflin pitching relatively well, but failing to amass more than 5 K’s.

Pick: