The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in what promises to be an examination of the Diamondbacks’ prospects of winning the 2023 World Series. So far, it’s been a good season for Arizona. But is it about to get better this week? Let’s take a closer look with our latest MLB betting picks.
Top of the NL West takes on top of the AL East when the Diamondbacks host the Rays in the first match of their best-of-three mini-series starting on Tuesday night.
The Diamondbacks have had an excellent season. Torey Lovullo’s side feels they have a chance of securing their second-ever World Series this year. And a mini-series win over the Rays will confirm they have a chance. This makes the mini-series huge for both teams.
Let’s take a look at how the top-rated MLB betting sites see the series going. But first, a quick peek at the betting to win the 2023 World Series.
The best MLB World Series betting sites still favor the Atlanta Braves to win the big one. The 2021 World Series winners are now just +400 to win the title for the second time in three seasons. The biggest betting rival to the Braves is the Rays at +500, with the LA Dodgers next at +600.
After the leading three contenders are the Texas Rangers at +1000. The Houston Astros are at +1100, with the Yankees and the Padres at +1600. The Blue Jays are +1800, with the Arizona Diamondbacks next at +2200.
In the betting to reach the playoffs, there is a significant difference in the latest odds.
The Rays are -20000 to make the playoffs and +2500 not to. As for the Diamondbacks, according to BetOnline, they are a lot less certain to be in the postseason. To make the playoffs, the Diamondbacks are -260. To fall short, they are just +200.
That is a huge gulf between the two franchises.
This is an intriguing matchup and the odds have added to that intrigue. Despite not having the strongest home-field record, Arizona is the favorite to win this match.
On the money line, the Diamondbacks are -126, with the Rays at +116. On the runs line, the Rays are getting the points start, and are the -190 favorites to win. The Diamondbacks are +165 starting from -1.5 points.
Finally, the total points spread is set at 8.5. Over 8.5 is +100, with under 8.5 at -120. In the Diamondbacks’ last five matches, that spread would have been covered on two occasions. In the Rays’ last five matches, it would have been covered four times.
Interestingly, in the Rays’ last seven road trips, that spread total would only have been covered twice.
| Arizona Diamondbacks vs Tampa Bay Rays |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamondbacks | -126 | -126 | -126 |
| Rays | +116 | +116 | +116 |
| Handicap Line | |||
| Diamondbacks (-1.5) | +165 | +165 | +165 |
| Rays (+1.5) | -190 | -190 | -190 |
The odds on our MLB odds table are taken from the best betting sites for sports betting. Using our recommended partners ensures you get the best value odds for your MLB wagers.
In their last 10 fixtures, the Diamondbacks have a 6-4 record. Their home form is 23-18, and overall, Torey Lovullo’s side is 47-32. It seems to be at Chase Field where Lovullo’s side has fallen short. Their 23-18 home record is one of the poorer of any division leaders, although not the worst.
But put it up against their road record of 24-14, and it’s pretty clear where the main problem lies.
In their last outing, Lovullo’s side were 5-2 winners against the San Francisco Giants. This wasn’t enough to see them win the mini-series, having lost 8-5 and 7-6 in the two previous fixtures.
In the Rays’ most recent fixture, Kevin Cash’s side defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday. The win means the Rays took the mini-series 2-1, having won match one 11-3, and losing match two, 9-4.
But with the Royals sitting bottom of the AL Central on 22-56, and a win average of just .282, the Rays will no doubt be disappointed not to have swept the series.
In their last 10, the Rays are 5-5. Overall this season, they are top of the AL East with an outstanding record of 54-27 and a win percentage of .667. On the road, their record reads 20-17, which suggests they will be more than a match for Arizona when the action gets underway.
In the last few days, the Diamondbacks have lost at Chase Field 15-3 to the Phillies and 12-3 to the Guardians. At home, their win percentage is just .560, while on the road, they are .631. The Rays have a .540 record on the road.
Yes, the Rays are far better at home with a magnificent win percentage of 0.772. But with the Diamondbacks having a similar home percentage win rate to that of the Rays’ record on road trips, we think backing the Rays to win on the money line at odds-against is the best value bet.
Check below for our list of the top sportsbooks where you can wager online:
About the Author
Dean is primarily a fan of English football who regularly attends games, and combining his hobby with his job, he is now a full-time sports betting writer. Rather than going down the educational route into sports journalism, Dean learned his trade by writing for his English football betting website since 2009, where he now boasts nearly 15 years of experience. After writing about football daily for years, Dean has taken the skills he learned and now uses them to great effect writing for numerous affiliate sites across the internet. A general all-around sports enthusiast with a passion for English football and cricket, Dean is also well able to turn his hand to writing about golf, tennis, F1, boxing, snooker, darts, and North American sports. Combining his extensive knowledge and experience with British humor and wit, Dean has developed into a trusted voice within the sports betting industry.
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