Rays vs. Astros (Oct. 1): Javier looks to deny McClanahan, Tampa Bay key win

With the Seattle Mariners–finally, finally, finally–ending their long playoff drought last night, all three of the American League wild-card berths are now accounted for, with the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays having secured the other two spots.

But with the three teams separated by just two games, there is still much to be decided over the next several days. As it stands, the Cleveland Guardians, champions of the AL Central and locked in as the #3 seed, will host the #6 Rays (86-71) in a best-of-three series, while the #4 Blue Jays (88-69) will host the #5 Mariners (86-70) in the other best-of-three series.

A lot could change by the time the regular season wraps up on Wednesday night. But if Tampa Bay is to try to improve their position and get a series at home, which would be the ideal outcome for them, a win tonight in Shane McClanahan’s final regular season start is a must.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Rays (86-71, 35-41 away, 3rd in the AL East) vs. Houston Astros (102-55, 51-25 home, 1st in the AL West)
• Venue & Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas)
• Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
• Game Time: 7:20 p.m. Eastern Time (6:20 p.m. local time)
• How to Watch Rays vs. Astros: FOX

Rays vs. Astros Pitching Matchup

• Tampa Bay: LHP Shane McClanahan (2022: 27 starts, 12-7, 2.51 ERA)
• Houston: RHP Cristian Javier (2022: 29 appearances – 24 starts, 10-9, 2.65 ERA)

Rays vs. Astros Odds

Game odds are from BetOnline. Odds from our other recommended legal sports betting sites may also appear in this article.

Moneyline

• Tampa Bay Rays +134
• Houston Astros -158

Over/Under

• Over 6.5 (-115)
• Under 6.5 (-105)

Run Line

• Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 (-170)
• Houston Astros -1.5 (+140)

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros Prediction and Best Bets

Rays vs. Astros Prediction: Houston to win

Rays vs. Astros Best Bet: Houston -1.5 (Best Value: +150 at BetUS)

Tampa Bay did its part yesterday, keeping up with Toronto and Seattle with a 7-3 win in Houston.

But can they put together a similar effort and result today? They are 24-31 as an underdog this season, including a 16-23 mark as a road underdog.

McClanahan’s OBA and ERA are lower on the road (1.94 ERA and .157 OBA) than at home (.209 OBA and 2.84 ERA), but Tampa Bay is just 4-6 in the lefty’s 10 starts since the All-Star break.

They are also running into a tough, tough mound matchup. Javier pitched five shutout innings in a win at Tropicana Field a week and a half ago, and he has not given up a run over his last three starts.

Houston is second to the New York Mets in win percentage in games following a loss, coming in at 37-17 (.685). Only three times this season have the Astros lost three or more straight games, and the odds are favorable that they will avoid a third straight loss tonight.

There isn’t a ton of value in the ML here, but with over two-thirds of Houston’s wins following a loss coming by 2+ runs, the RL has a lot of value in this spot.

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