The Baltimore Orioles (58-37) and Tampa Bay Rays (60-39) open a pivotal 4-game AL East series Thursday as they jockey for positioning atop the division. First pitch from Tropicana Field will be 6:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Orioles vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Orioles lead 3-2
The Orioles beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 Wednesday to avoid being swept in the 3-game series. Baltimore has been on a tear lately, even after dropping 2 of 3 against Los Angeles, as it entered on an 8-game win streak. The O’s surging offense has helped the cause and ranks 8th in runs scored (473) this season.
The Rays have sputtered coming out of the All-Star break, going 2-4 in their last 6 games — including a current 4-game losing skid after being swept by the Texas Rangers in 3 games to start the week. Tampa Bay still owns the best ERA in baseball (3.73) and is 4th in runs scored (526).