MLB Lines: The Tampa Bay Rays are forcing their betting backers to pay a big and painful price for their past success and horrible start to the 2014 season as they have become one of the biggest bankroll busting overlays on the board. The Houston Astros have a similar record to the Rays but were breaking even on the board as a team that the public has little betting respect for which has forced the oddsmakers to sweeten the pot with enhanced wagering value in order to entice action their way.
The Houston Astros will host the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park on MLBN Friday night with coverage starting at 8:10 PM ET.
Few Rays of Hope
Tampa Bay was 11-22 on the road and a dreadful 20-43 on the run line. The Rays went over the total in just 14 out of 33 away games. Tampa Bay ranked 27th for run production and 22nd for earned run average. This has been a steep fall for a team that has been a perennial contender.
Growing Pains
The Houston Astros were 14-18 at home and an impressive 35-28 on the run line. Houston went under the total in just 14 out of 32 home games. The Astros ranked 26th for run production, 27th for batting average, 25th for earned run average, and 21st for fewest errors committed.
The Pick
The Tampa Bay Rays have been dominant against the Astros in Houston with 8 wins in their last 9 games at Houston with just 2 out of the last 8 games between the Rays and Astros at Houston going under the total. We’ll call for the Houston Astros with the run line in this matchup!
