The Tampa Bay Rays return from a brutal seven-game road swing to host the Los Angeles Dodgers for the opener of a three-game series.
Clayton Kershaw gets the nod for Los Angeles tonight, and my Dodgers vs. Rays predictions expect Kershaw to best Tampa Bay.
Find out more in my MLB picks for Friday, August 1.
Dodgers vs Rays prediction
My Dodgers vs Rays best bet: Dodgers -1.5 (+132 at FanDuel)
Clayton Kershaw’s 2.83 ERA, 6.5 strikeouts per nine, and two walks per nine over 28 2/3 road innings give him an edge over a Tampa Bay Rays offense scoring just 16 runs in its five games. This unit could potentially be without Yandy Diaz, too (hit by a pitch Thursday).
Meanwhile, Rays starter Shane Baz has struggled at home, allowing at least one home run in his last five home starts and 19 total earned runs.
The Los Angeles Dodgers scored only 17 runs across their last five road games, but they have an opportunity to break out of their team slump inside the George M. Steinbrenner bandbox, as they’ve launched 116 bombs with a .335 wOBA against righties.
L.A. has the bullpen edge with a 3.00 ERA since the All-Star break. I’m backing Kershaw and the Dodgers offense on the plus-money run line tonight.
Dodgers vs Rays same-game parlay (SGP)
Dodgers -1.5
Clayton Kershaw Over 3.5 strikeouts
Shane Baz Over 5.5 strikeouts
Kershaw hasn’t seen the punchouts recently, but he’s striking out 6.5 per nine frames. Tampa’s 24% strikeout rate vs. lefties gives Kershaw a good opportunity to strike out four.
Baz has struck out six or more twice in his last five starts. The Dodgers’ 25% strikeout rate across the previous 14 days should get Baz to six Ks.
Dodgers vs Rays odds
Dodgers vs Rays live odds
Dodgers vs Rays opening odds
- Moneyline: Dodgers -146 | Rays +124
- Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (+108) | Rays +1.5 (-130)
- Over/Under: Over 9 (-115) | Under 9 (-105)
Dodgers vs Rays trend
The Dodgers are 4-0 on the run line across their last four when moneyline favorites against Tampa Bay. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Rays.
How to watch Dodgers vs Rays and game info
| Location | George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL |
| Date | Friday, 8-1-2025 |
| First pitch | 7:35 p.m. ET |
| TV | SNLA, FDSNSUN |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Clayton Kershaw (4-2, 3.62 ERA) |
| Rays starting pitcher | Shane Baz (8-7, 4.61 ERA) |
Dodgers vs Rays latest injuries
Dodgers vs Rays weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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