The Texas Rangers will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first outing of this three-game series at Globe Life Field tonight. MLB odds list Texas as a -135 favorite, while the total sits at 8.5.
Although Texas has the luxury of playing on their home field, my Rays vs. Rangers predictions are backing Tampa Bay at plus money.
Find out more in my MLB picks for Friday, April 4.
Rays vs Rangers prediction
My Rays vs Rangers best bet: Rays moneyline (+115 at bet365)
The Tampa Bay Rays hand the ball to right-hander Zack Littell, and he should serve as a strong candidate to back. Littell put together the best season of his career in 2024, posting a 3.63 ERA and 1.25 WHIP through 29 starts.
He picked up right where he left off in his first start of 2025, allowing just one run on four hits through six innings.
Meanwhile, right-hander Tyler Mahle takes the mound for the Texas Rangers. Mahle’s career has been derailed by injuries over the past few years, including Tommy John surgery in 2023 and a shoulder injury last season.
Combine those injuries with the fact that Mahle has struggled when healthy, and there is pessimism about his chances of being a strong contributor moving forward. He has made only four starts over the past two years, posting an 0-1 record with a 5.02 ERA.
Not only does Tampa Bay possess the starting pitching edge, but it also boasts the hitting edge. This season, the Rays rank in the top 12 in the league in runs per game, hits per game, batting average, on-base percentage and OPS.
The Rangers do not rank in the top 20 in any of those five categories.
Rays vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Rays moneyline
Yandy Diaz to record a hit
Jake Mangum to record a hit
If we’re backing Tampa Bay to win this game, then we need some of its batters to record hits. There may be no two better candidates than Yandy Díaz and Jake Mangum.
Mangum has gotten off to a dominant start at the plate in his rookie season. Through 16 plate appearances, the switch-hitter boasts a .533 batting average, .667 slugging percentage and 1.230 OPS.
Meanwhile, Díaz is due for positive regression. Despite posting a .154 batting average, Díaz sports a .278 expected batting average.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rays vs Rangers odds
Rays vs Rangers live odds
Rays vs Rangers opening odds
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay +115 | Texas -135
- Run line: Tampa Bay +1.5 (-190) | Texas -1.5 (+160)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-115) | Under 8.5 (-105)
Rays vs Rangers trend
Tampa Bay has won three of its past four games. Find more MLB betting trends for Rays vs. Rangers.
How to watch Rays vs Rangers and game info
| Location | Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX |
| Date | Friday, 4-4-2025 |
| First pitch | 8:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | Apple TV+ |
| Rays starting pitcher | Zack Littell (0-1, 1.50 ERA) |
| Rangers starting pitcher | Tyler Mahle (0-0, 5.40 ERA) |
Rays vs Rangers latest injuries
Rays vs Rangers weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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