Los Angeles Dodgers vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction, Preview and Odds - 05/26/2023

by Rod Pearson

Thursday, May 25, 2023
Game Time: 6:40 pm ET, Friday, May 26, 2023
Venue:  Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
Where to Watch:  BSSUN


Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks

DraftKings:  Moneyline odds:  Dodgers -105, Rays -115; Over/Under:  9 runs
Bet365:  Moneyline odds:  Dodgers -105, Rays -115; Over/Under:  9 runs
BetMGM:  Moneyline odds:  Dodgers -105, Rays -115; Over/Under:  9 runs

Season Record

Los Angeles Dodgers:  31-20 (1st place, NL West)
Tampa Bay Rays:  36-15 (1st place, AL East)

Do not miss out on our expert handicapper analysis! Sean Murphy is on a HOT STREAK in the MLB: 49-34 (+$10.5K) start this season! Make sure you check out his picks and many more from the expert handicappers featured in the Shop Picks section.


Recent Form
Los Angeles Dodgers:  5-5 last 10
Tampa Bay Rays:  6-4 last 10



Los Angeles Dodgers vs Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Analysis


The Dodgers are entering this game off of a loss in their last game but did win their 3-game series against the Atlanta Braves 2-1 in their last series. They enter this game with a 31-20 record overall and have a road record of 14-13. This is the series opener of a 3-game series with the Rays on Friday and they have Thursday off as a day of rest. Their offense ranks 5th in the MLB with a .776 OPS. Tony Gonsolin was their starting pitcher on Wednesday while Noah Syndergaard is making his start in this game on Friday. He is 1-3 with a 5.88 ERA this season. His team won 4 of their last 5 games this season with him making an appearance. In his last MLB regular season start, he allowed 3 ER, 0 HR, and 1 BB with 4 Ks on 4 hits through 5 IP against the St Louis Cardinals.

The Rays are entering this game off of a win in their last game and did win their 3-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1 in their last series. They enter this game with a 36-15 record overall and have a home record of 23-5. This is the 1st game of a 3-game series with the LA Dodgers on Friday with the series finale of their series against the Toronto Blue Jays still to be played on Thursday. Their offense ranks 1st in the MLB with a .847 OPS. Zach Eflin is their starting pitcher on Thursday while Jalen Beeks is making his start in this game on Friday. He is 1-2 with a 4.68 ERA this season. His team lost their last 2 straight games this season with him making an appearance. In his last MLB regular season start, he allowed 1 earned run, 1 homer, and 2 BB with 3 strikeouts on 1 hit through 2 innings played against the Milwaukee Brewers.


Dodgers vs Rays Prediction

The current betting odds have the Rays listed as a slight favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Rays enter this game with the best record in the entire MLB but the Dodgers are not too far behind with their record as they have been starting to surge lately. As good as the Dodgers have been lately, they haven't been great in their road games this year while the Rays have the best home record in the entire MLB. The Rays also have the best offense in the league and their pitching staff is once again great too. The Dodgers also have a great offense but they have gotten off to a slower start this season and they are going to struggle to put up runs against this great Rays pitching staff. The Dodgers are also going with Syndergaard who hasn't been great in his starts this season and this hot Rays offense will be able to get to him for plenty of runs here at home. The Dodgers have also been so dominant in the MLB over the last few years that the Rays will want to use this series to send a message that they are the new team to beat this year. The best way to place a bet here is on the Rays to win this game.

Dodgers Rays Prediction:  Our MLB Pick for Friday, May 26, 2023 (6:40 pm ET start time) is Rays 5 Dodgers 1.
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MLB Betting Trends


Los Angeles Dodgers: 19-25 (-8.8 units) on the moneyline on the road when the money line is +125 to -125. 43-32 (-12.2 units) on the moneyline after a loss by 2 runs or less. 17-9 OVER in road games. 30-15 OVER after a one run loss.

Tampa Bay Rays: 36-15 (+17.4 units) on the moneyline in all games. 23-5 (+16 units) on the moneyline in home games. 30-18 OVER in all games. 23-15 OVER against right-handed starters. 

Key Injuries


Los Angeles Dodgers:  T. Cyr (RP) Out indefinitely - Shoulder. D. May (SP) Out indefinitely - Elbow. J. Urias (SP) Early June - Hamstring. C. Kershaw (SP) Out indefinitely - Personal. D. Hudson (RP) Early June - Knee. M. Grove (SP) Early June - Groin. R. Pepiot (SP) Mid July - Oblique. J. Nelson (RP) Mid July - Elbow. W. Buehler (SP) Early Sept - Elbow. A. Reyes (SP) Early June - Shoulder. G. Lux (2B) out for season - Knee. B. Treinen (RP) Early Sept - Shoulder.

Tampa Bay Rays:  B. Lowe (2B) Prob Thurs - Neck. Y. Diaz (3B) Out indefinitely - Personal. Z. Littell (RP) Mid June - Shoulder. T. Glasnow (SP) Prob Sat - Oblique. J. Diekman (RP) Out indefinitely - Personal. S. Armstrong (RP) Early June - Neck. D. Rasmussen (RP) Out indefinitely - Elbow. G. Cleavinger (RP) out for season - Knee. J. Springs (RP) out for season - Elbow. S. Baz (SP) out for season - Elbow. A. Kittredge (RP) Late July - Elbow.


Notable Quotes


“We've talked about the depth we have in our organization. To see it play out in real time is exciting.” - Dave Roberts on their rookie starters Gavin Stone and Bobby Miller after his team’s loss against the Braves in their game on Wednesday.


“As long as I help this team and put them in a good situation to win, that's really and truly all I care about. Everything else will take care of itself.” - Shane McClanahan after their win against the Blue Jays in their game on Wednesday.


Starting Lineups


Los Angeles Dodgers
Manuel Margot (R) RF
Wander Franco (S) SS
Harold Ramirez (R) DH
Randy Arozarena (R) LF
Isaac Paredes (R) 3B
Taylor Walls (S) 2B
Luke Raley (L) 1B
Christian Bethancourt (R) C
Jose Siri (R) CF

Tampa Bay Rays
Manuel Margot (R) RF
Wander Franco (S) SS
Harold Ramirez (R) DH
Randy Arozarena (R) LF
Isaac Paredes (R) 3B
Taylor Walls (S) 2B
Luke Raley (L) 1B
Christian Bethancourt (R) C
Jose Siri (R) CF

Statistical Leaders


Los Angeles Dodgers
Batting Average:  Freddie Freeman (.325)
Hits:  Freddie Freeman (66)
Home Runs:  Max Muncy (15)
RBI:  Max Muncy (35)
Stolen Bases:  Freddie Freeman (6)
Wins:  Clayton Kershaw (6)
Saves:  Evan Phillips (7)
ERA:  Tyler Cyr (0.00)

Tampa Bay Rays
Batting Average:  Yandy Diaz (.322)
Hits:  Wander Franco (56)
Home Runs:  Yandy Diaz (11)
RBI:  Randy Arozarena (37)
Stolen Bases:  Wander Franco (15)
Wins:  Shane McClanahan (8)
Saves:  Jason Adam (6)
ERA:  Chase Anderson (0.00)

Managers:
Los Angeles Dodgers: Dave Roberts (8th season)
Tampa Bay Rays: Kevin Cash (9th season)


Rod Pearson

About the Author:

Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life.  He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years.  In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective.  Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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