Orioles vs Rays Prediction MLB Picks Experts 5/9
- Lm Tipster
- May 9, 2023, 6:51:45 AM
© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Preview
On May 9, 2023, the Baltimore Orioles will take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. The Rays are coming off a thrilling extra-inning victory against the Yankees, extending their incredible start to the season to 29-7. Meanwhile, the Orioles are struggling a bit lately, having lost three in a row and falling to 22-13 on the season. As we gear up for the game, the MLB experts' predictions are flooding in, and we can expect a fascinating matchup between two very different teams.
Tampa Bay Rays
Pitching Analysis
The Rays have been one of the best teams in baseball this season, with a 2.93 ERA that ranks third in the league. Zach Eflin, who takes the mound for the Rays in this game, has been a significant part of that success. Eflin has been nearly unhittable, with a 2.25 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. He's also averaging over a strikeout per inning, making him a tough matchup for any team. Additionally, the Rays have an excellent bullpen that is sixth in the league with a 3.24 ERA.
Hitting Analysis
The Rays have been hitting very well this season, averaging 5.27 runs per game, which is the fourth-best in the league. Randy Arozarena has been the team's top hitter, with a .328 batting average, .400 OBP, and a .588 slugging percentage. Yandy Diaz has also been swinging a hot bat, leading the team in home runs with nine. The Rays' hitters are disciplined at the plate, with the team drawing the second-most walks in the league, and they do an excellent job of hitting for power and getting on base.
Injury Report
The Rays will be without a few key players for this game, including Tyler Glasnow, Pete Fairbanks, Shawn Armstrong, and Garrett Cleavinger, who are all on the injured list. However, the Rays have a deep and talented roster, and they should be able to overcome these injuries.
Baltimore Orioles
Pitching Analysis
The Orioles' pitching has been their weak point this season, with a 4.40 ERA that ranks 23rd in the league. Grayson Rodriguez takes the mound for the Orioles in this game, looking to improve on his shaky start to the season. Rodriguez has struggled with command, walking 12 batters in 28 innings, and he's allowed five home runs in his five starts. While Rodriguez is a top prospect with plenty of potential, he will need to pitch a nearly perfect game to keep the Rays' potent lineup in check.
Hitting Analysis
The Orioles' hitting has been better than their pitching, but they are still below average in most major hitting categories. Cedric Mullins has been their best hitter so far, with a .248 batting average, four home runs, and 28 RBI. Ryan Mountcastle has also been a bright spot, leading the team in home runs with eight. However, the Orioles' offense has struggled to get on base consistently, with a .335 OBP that ranks 22nd in the league, and they've had trouble hitting for power, averaging just 3.79 runs per game.
Injury Report
The Orioles have a few players on the injured list, including catcher Maverick Handley, who is day-to-day, and third baseman Ramon Urias, who is also day-to-day. Pitchers Mychal Givens and Dillon Tate are both on the 15-day IL, with Givens suffering from a hamstring injury and Tate dealing with a back issue. While these injuries aren't necessarily devastating to the Orioles' lineup, they could have an impact on their pitching rotation, which has already struggled at times this season.
Prediction
Based on the teams' records, it's clear that the Rays have been the superior team so far this season. With a record of 29-7, they have the best record in the league, while the Orioles sit at a respectable 22-13. However, looking at the teams' head-to-head matchup history, the Rays have historically dominated the Orioles. In 2022, the Rays won 13 out of 19 games against the Orioles, and they have already won the first game of this series.
The Rays have also been dominant on the road this season, with a 10-4 record away from Tropicana Field. Their pitching staff has been particularly impressive, with a team ERA of 2.93, which ranks second in the league. Zach Eflin, who will be taking the mound for the Rays, has been outstanding this season, with a 4-0 record and a 2.25 ERA. His ability to keep the Orioles' hitters in check will be key to the Rays' success in this game.
The Orioles have had their share of struggles this season, particularly on the mound. Their team ERA of 4.40 ranks in the bottom half of the league, and they have allowed 41 home runs so far this season, which is tied for the fourth-most in the league. Grayson Rodriguez, who will be starting for the Orioles, has not had a great season so far, with a 1-0 record and a 5.46 ERA. While he has shown flashes of potential, he will need to bring his A-game against a Rays lineup that has been firing on all cylinders.
Pick: Rays ML
