The Miami Marlins host the Tampa Bay Rays on May 17, 2025. The first pitch from LoanDepot Park is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. EDT; the game will be broadcast on FDSFL.
Read our Rays vs Marlins predictions and picks below.
My Rays vs Marlins Prediction
- Rays vs Marlins Picks: Rays F5 TT o1.5 (-160, DraftKings)
My Rays vs Marlins best bet is on Tampa Bay's first-half team total. Check our live MLB odds page to find the best odds.
Rays vs Marlins Odds
| Rays Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +114 | 8 -125o / +105u | -155 |
| Marlins Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -135 | 8 -125o / +105u | +130 |
Charlie Wright’s Rays vs Marlins Preview
Tampa Bay Rays Team Prop
I'm picking on Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara again. I’ve faded him plenty this season with plenty of success.
I don’t mind Tampa Bay’s full-game team total of 4.5 at plus-money, but I’d prefer to bet on the top half of the lineup. It thins out near the bottom, and Miami’s bullpen has looked better of late.
Alcantara has struggled since returning from Tommy John. His velocity has returned, but his control hasn’t (12.5% walk rate), the swing-and-miss stuff hasn’t (18.5% strikeout rate), and he’s getting walloped on contact (ranking in sixth percentile among qualified pitchers in hard-hit rate allowed and seventh percentile in average exit velocity allowed).
His 8.10 ERA is inflated, but his best ERA projection is his 4.52 xFIP. Otherwise put, he’s earned this ugly production.
In April, Tampa Bay was a borderline-elite offense against right-handed pitching, ranking sixth among MLB lineups in wRC+. The Rays have cooled off, but some crucial bats are returning to the lineup, including Josh Lowe (oblique) and Yandy Diaz (missed the Toronto series with a visa issue).
Lefties have crushed Alcantara, posting a .500 SLG, a .250 ISO and a 63.6% hard-hit rate. He’s posted 15 strikeouts to 16 walks against the side.
Four of Tampa’s top six bats will be lefties on Saturday, alongside big righties in Diaz and Junior Caminero.
Pick: Rays F5 TT o1.5 (-160, DraftKings)
