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 b est-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: 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)
- Game Time: 7:20 p.m. Eastern Time (6:20 p.m. local time)
- How to Watch Rays vs. Astros: FOX
- 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)
- Tampa Bay Rays +134
- Houston Astros -158
- Over 6.5 (-115)
- Under 6.5 (-105)
- Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 (-170)
- Houston Astros -1.5 (+140)