The Tampa Bay Rays host the Kansas City Royals on April 30, 2025. First pitch from George M. Steinbrenner Field is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT; the game will be broadcast on MLB Network.
Find my MLB betting preview and Royals vs Rays prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, betting trends, injury reports and more.
My Royals vs Rays Prediction
- Royals vs Rays picks: Drew Rasmussen Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+130)
My Royals vs Rays best bet is for Drew Rasmussen to record over 5.5 strikeouts. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Royals vs Rays Odds
| Royals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 +114 | 8 -102o / -110u | +154 |
| Rays Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -137 | 8 -102o / -110u | -184 |
Alex Kolodziej’s Royals vs Rays Preview
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview: Back Rasmussen vs. Royals
When assessing the best bets for Wednesday's matchup between the Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Rays, the focus should be on the strikeout prop for Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen.
According to PRO Projections, there’s value on Rasmussen to land over 5.5 strikeouts. Priced at +130 on FanDuel, this bet holds significant value — our projections have pegged a fair total of 5.8 strikeouts.
Rasmussen has been somewhat overlooked in the betting markets, despite his impressive track record. With a +7.4 WAR at age 29, Rasmussen is off to a solid start this season, boasting a 1-1 record and a 2.10 ERA. Notably, he has maintained an ERA under 3.00 for the past four seasons with the Rays. Often underestimated as a strikeout pitcher, Rasmussen has already fanned seven batters in a pair of his starts this season and did so against formidable lineups — the Braves and Yankees.
While the Royals only average 6.3 strikeouts per game at home, that figure surges to over eight per game on the road. Given these factors, betting on Rasmussen to go over 5.5 strikeouts against Kansas City tonight is a nice look at the current price tag.
Royals vs Rays Prediction, Betting Analysis
As detailed above, I'm targeting Rasmussen's strikeouts prop tonight.
Pick: Drew Rasmussen Over 5.5 Strikeouts
Moneyline
I don't see any value in the Royals vs. Rays moneyline tonight.
Run Line (Spread)
I'm going to pass on tonight's run line.
Over/Under
I will not be betting the Royals vs. Rays over/under tonight.
Royals vs Rays Betting Trends
Royals vs Rays Weather
