Los Angeles At Tampa Bay MLB Expert Predictions

We are about one quarter of the way into the MLB season, which means that it’s an absolutely ridiculous time to start talking about the Wild Card standings, but it’s worth taking a look at them to put the current standings of many teams into perspective. For example, in the American League, there are 8 teams all within 3 games of those coveted Wild Card spots, which may well be a sign that there is some real parity in the league right now.

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Then again, it could also just be because we are still in the very early stages of the baseball season. Two teams that are wedged in with that group are the LA Angels and the Tampa Bay Rays, and it is those two teams who are currently engaged in a 4-game series, with the Angels drawing first blood. They will play the third game in this series on Wednesday night, and that is the game that we are going to preview and predict below.

Here’s A Closer Look At The Angels At Rays MLB Expert Predictions

When: Wednesday, May 24 at 7:10 PM ESTWhere: Tropicana Field, TampaStarting Pitchers: Ricky Nolasco Vs Erasmo RamirezTV: FS-W, FOX Sports SunRadio: KLAA 830, WGES 680, WDAE 620 AM / 95.3 FMLive Stream: MLB.TVMLB Odds: Tampa Bay Rays -1½ (+170)  

Why bet on the Los Angeles Angels

The LA Angels (24-23) are almost the forgotten team in the AL West, simply because most of the attention right now is being paid to the Houston Astros on top and the Texas Rangers, who are the hottest team in baseball. This is allowing the Angels to slip under the radar, and they are doing that to great effect, winning 6 of their last 8 games. There are still some concerns with the lack of offensive output from the Angels, other than Mike Trout, of course, but the pitching staff is holding them in there, sitting close to the top in WHIP. The Angels are just 9-15 on the road, but got things off to a good start in this series, winning the opening game. Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 4.01 ERA) will start for the Angels on Wednesday night.

Why bet on the Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays (23-24) have the misfortune of playing in an incredibly tough division, and they are struggling to keep their heads above water right now. The Rays are 6-4 in their last 10 games, but have now dropped back to back games after losing to the Angels in the opening game of this series. There are signs that this team could still come good as the season progresses, as they are in the top 10 in runs scored, as well as in team ERA. They are down the standings in quality starts, and can improve their lot if they begin to get more out of their starting pitchers. Erasmo Ramirez (1-0, 3.00 ERA) will be coming out of his relief role to start this one.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I would not be totally surprised to see this series end in a split, as these two teams seem pretty evenly matched. I think the Rays have a slight edge in this pitching match-up, so I’m taking them to win this one.

LA Angels 3 Tampa Bay Rays 4