The Thursday MLB schedule will get underway with a matinee between the Los Angeles Angels and the Tampa Bay Rays from Tropicana Field. The Angels (52-72) are in the midst of a five-game losing streak and are no longer in playoff contention. Last night, Los Angeles went 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left ten men on base during a 4-3 road loss against Tampa Bay in 11 innings.
Twenty-five year old lefty Patrick Sandoval (4-8 3.14 ERA) has been solid for the Angels this season. Through 109 innings of work, Sandoval has limited opponents to five home runs and recorded 115 strikeouts.
The Tampa Bay Rays have won 41 of their 64 home games and are sitting atop a tightly contested American League Wild Card race. On Wednesday, DH Harold Ramirez tied the game in the 11th inning with an RBI double and Tampa Bay walked it off on a throwing error. All-Star SP Shane McClanahan fanned nine batters across six shutout frames and did not factor in the decision for the Rays (68-55).
Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash will turn to talented right-hander Drew Rasmussen (8-4 2.82 ERA) on Thursday. The Rays have won Rasmussen's last three starts and he has allowed just three runs over his last 17 frames.
Recent Betting Trends
- Angels are 0-4 in their last 4 Thursday games.
- Rays are 6-0 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Under is 7-1 in Angels last 8 Thursday games.
- Under is 5-1 in Angels last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
- Under is 6-2 in Rays last 8 during game 4 of a series.
Free MLB Pick:
UNDER 6.5