MLB Betting Preview: The Tampa Bay Rays and Florida Marlins begin an inter-league weekend series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., Friday but one thing is different from the past. Both teams are contenders in their respective leagues and divisions. While Rays-Marlins doesn’t stir up the chatter Yankees-Mets do, it will be getting the attention from fans it lacked in the past. The Rays will hand the ball to RHP Andy Sonnanstine (6-3, 4.88 ERA) for today’s game (7:10 p.m. ET) while the Marlins opt to go with RHP Ryan Tucker (1-0, 1.80 ERA). MLB Betting oddsmakers at online sports wagering giant Sportsbook.com currently have the Rays listed as 142-moneyline favorites with a 9.5 total. The Marlins are getting +132 ML juice.
Sonnanstine got a no-decision Saturday night in Texas after allowing two runs on six hits in five innings. The right-hander is a master of deception, employing an array of pitches that he can throw from all different angles. But he has learned to primarily use his fastball to set up the other pitches. Sonnanstine is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in one career start against the Marlins. His last win came May 16 at St. Louis.
After dominating Double-A Carolina all year, the Marlins finally decided to give Tucker a chance in the Major Leagues. He didn't let them down. Making his big league debut against the Reds on Sunday, Tucker went five innings while giving up just one run on two hits and striking out six in the Marlins' win. Tucker walked five batters (one intentional) and threw 89 pitches — 45 for strikes. His fastball was in the low- to mid-90s for most of the afternoon, topping out at 95 mph twice. The only run he gave up was a two-out single by his opposing pitcher, Aaron Harang. Coming into the game, Tucker had posted a 4-2 record with the Mudcats and a Southern League-leading 1.41 ERA.
The Marlins were shut out 3-0 by the Phillies as a +110 underdog last time out. The game's three runs went well UNDER the posted over/under (10).
Scott Olsen surrendered two runs over seven innings with seven strikeouts in a losing effort for the Marlins.
The Rays were doubled 4-2 by the Angels as +105 underdogs last time out. The game's six runs fell UNDER the posted over/under (7).
Carl Crawford and Dioner Navarro had RBIs for the Rays. Scott Kazmir surrendered three runs off six hits over 6 2-3 innings in the loss.
Point-Spreads.com MLB Betting Pick: Rays -142 ML
