The Washington Nationals host the Tampa Bay Rays on August 31, 2025. First pitch from Nationals Park is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. EDT; the game will be broadcast on FDSSUN.
Find my MLB betting preview and Rays vs Nationals prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, betting trends, injury reports and more.
My Rays vs Nationals Prediction
- Rays vs Nationals picks: Over 8.5
My Rays vs Nationals best bet is Over 8.5. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Rays vs Nationals Odds
| Rays Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +114 | 8.5 -120o / +102u | -149 |
| Nationals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -137 | 8.5 -120o / +102u | +123 |
Rays vs Nationals Projected Starting Pitchers
| LHP Ian Seymour (TBR) | Stat | RHP Brad Lord (WAS) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-0 | W-L | 4-7 |
| 0.4 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 1.3 |
| 3.18 / 2.76 | ERA /xERA | 3.84 / 4.49 |
| 3.16 / 3.24 | FIP / xFIP | 3.86 / 3.83 |
| 1.02 | WHIP | 1.29 |
| 21.9% | K-BB% | 11.7% |
| 41.4% | GB% | 50.2% |
| 92 | Stuff+ | 87 |
| 100 | Location+ | 101 |
Rays vs Nationals Prediction, Betting Analysis
Late in the MLB season, games played in hitter-friendly or high-variance environments—such as in Colorado, Arizona, and Washington—tend to go over the total when the closing line is modest (≤10.5).
These markets often underestimate run production during the final stretch of the season due to weather conditions like the humid air in DC and expanded rosters increasing bullpen volatility.
Public perception around fatigue or playoff pressure may further depress totals.
This creates value when betting overs in August to October for these specific home teams, particularly during regular season games.
Pick: Over 8.5
