New York Mets prospect Christian Scott will make his first major league start tonight as the Mets take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
The Rays (15-18) beat the Mets (16-16) in a 10-8 slugfest on Friday, but the MLB odds have tonight’s game as a virtual tossup between these two struggling squads.
Scott will be tasked with slowing down a Tampa Bay offense that scored 10 runs on 13 hits last night. We’ll take a look at what we can expect from the rookie in our Mets vs. Rays predictions and MLB picks for May 4.
Mets vs Rays prediction
My best bet
Over 7.5 (+100 at Caesars)
My analysis
Tonight features a tough first assignment for 24-year-old right-hander Christian Scott. After being called up from AAA, the New York Mets starter will go up against a Tampa Bay Rays team that is coming off a 10-run outburst against the Mets last night, and an offense that has scored at least seven runs in three of its last eight games.
The Mets continue to be up-and-down on offense this year but appear to be breaking out of their recent slump. Over their last two games, they’ve scored 15 runs, hitting the Over on both occasions. New York’s only problem is that it has given up 16 runs in that same span.
It will look to continue that recent offensive success tonight against Zack Littell. The 28-year-old righty has historically been used primarily out of the bullpen but has transitioned into a full-time starter this year. Littell has been an average pitcher throughout his career, sporting a lifetime 4.00 ERA.
In his last three starts, Littell has gone 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA, allowing 25 hits in 17 2/3 innings. The Mets should be able to continue generating offense against the struggling hurler, and we can’t expect too much from Scott in his first major league start.
Despite the questionable pitching matchup and what we saw last night, the total for this game has been set at a modest 7.5 runs. I’m taking the Over.
Mets vs Rays same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 7.5
Rays moneyline
Amed Rosario to record a hit
Tonight’s game promises plenty of offense, and the Rays should continue to have the best of the action at home. That’s why I’m combining a bet on the Over with a Rays moneyline wager tonight.
In addition, I’ll take Tampa Bay utilityman Amed Rosario to pick up at least one hit tonight. Rosario is hitting .309 on the year and has recorded a hit in 16 of his last 20 games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Mets vs Rays odds
Mets vs Rays live odds
Mets vs Rays opening odds
- Run line: New York +1.5 (-203) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+181)
- Moneyline: New York +105 | Tampa Bay -114
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-110) | Under 8 (-110)
Mets vs Rays spread and Over/Under analysis
- Tampa Bay opened as a slight -114 favorite in tonight’s game. Most sites are now treating the game as a pick'em, and you can get -108 on either side.
- The Mets have approximately broken even on the moneyline this year, while the Rays have lost 8.5 units for backers so far.
- The total opened at a flat 8.0. The consensus Over/Under has moved to 7.5 runs, with +100 available on the Over and -110 on the Under.
- The Over currently holds a 19-13 advantage in Rays' games, while the Mets have played to a 16-16 record against the total this year.
Mets vs Rays trend
The Over is 5-1 in the last six games between these two clubs. Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Rays.
Mets vs Rays game info
| Location: | Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL |
| Date: | Saturday, 5-4-2024 |
| First pitch: | 7:15 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
| Mets starting pitcher: | Christian Scott (0-0, 0.00 ERA) |
| Rays starting pitcher: | Zack Littell (1-2, 3.27 ERA) |
Mets vs Rays latest injuries
Mets vs Rays weather
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