Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 7:05 PM ET
Location: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
TV: Bally Sports Sun, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
Odds: Rays -185 | Pirates +155 | O/U: 8.5
The Tampa Bay Rays host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night in a non-league battle. The Rays send Drew Rasmussen to the mound, while Pittsburgh counters with young right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski. Can the Pirates pull off a road upset, or will the Rays flex their early-season dominance at home?
Pirates vs Rays Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total O/U |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rays | -185 | -1.5 (+110) | 8.5 (-110) |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | +155 | +1.5 (-135) | 8.5 (-110) |
Implied Win Probability:
Rays: 64.9%
Pirates: 35.1%
Rays Betting Trends
- Tampa Bay is 15-5 in their last 20 games at Tropicana Field.
- The Rays went 44-20 as home favorites in 2024.
- The under has hit in 7 of their last 10 home games.
Pirates Betting Trends
- Pittsburgh is 3-1 to start the 2025 season.
- The Pirates were 31-50 on the road in 2024.
- The over hit in 56% of their away games last year.
Key Player Stats
Tampa Bay Rays
- Randy Arozarena: .274 AVG, 23 HR, 89 RBI
- Isaac Paredes: 31 HR, .494 SLG
- Yandy Díaz: .330 AVG, 173 hits
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Oneil Cruz: .265 AVG, 16 HR in 2024 (missed time)
- Ke’Bryan Hayes: .271 AVG, 15 HR, 74 RBI
- Jack Suwinski: 26 HR, .230 AVG
Expert Prediction: Pirates vs Rays
Score Prediction: Rays 5, Pirates 3
Over/Under Prediction: Under 8.5 runs
Best Bet: Rays -1.5 (+110)
The Rays have the pitching edge with Rasmussen returning from injury looking sharp in Spring Training. Mlodzinski is a talented arm, but this is a tough road environment. Tampa Bay’s lineup is clicking, and they’ve historically dominated non-division matchups at home.
Best Bets
- Rays -1.5 (+110)
- Under 8.5 Runs (-110)
- Isaac Paredes Over 0.5 RBIs
How to Watch
- Time: 7:05 PM ET
- Channels: Bally Sports Sun, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
- Streaming: MLB.tv or through your regional sports provider
Pirates vs Rays FAQ
Who is favored to win Pirates vs Rays?
The Rays are strong favorites at -185 on the moneyline.
What time is the game?
First pitch is at 7:05 PM ET on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Drew Rasmussen starts for Tampa Bay, while Carmen Mlodzinski goes for Pittsburgh.
What is the total for the game?
The over/under is set at 8.5 runs.
What are your top picks?
We like Rays -1.5, the Under 8.5, and Isaac Paredes to record at least one RBI.
Final Thoughts
The Pirates are an improved team, but the Rays’ dominance at home and edge on the mound make them the smart side. If Rasmussen settles in early, Tampa Bay should take care of business and cover the run line.
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