Blake Snell makes his long-awaited return to the mound on Saturday afternoon as the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Tampa Bay Rays.
With All-Star Drew Rasmussen on the mound for Tampa Bay, my Dodgers vs. Rays predictions are expecting both pitchers to deal today. Here are my best free MLB picks for this matinee clash on August 2.
Dodgers vs Rays prediction
My Dodgers vs Rays best bet: First five innings Under 4.5 (-105 at bet365)
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Blake Snell to a five-year, $182-million deal after he posted a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts with the Giants last year. He hasn't pitched in the majors since April due to shoulder inflammation, but his arm should be stretched out after making four rehab appearances.
In his previous start at Triple-A Oklahoma City last Saturday, Snell allowed zero hits while striking out seven through 4 2/3 innings. The two-time Cy Young winner was hitting 97 mph on the radar gun, so we know his velocity is back.
He should get the job done against a Tampa Bay Rays lineup that's second-last in the majors in OPS (.645) over the last 30 days. The Rays also struggle against lefties, posting an OPS of just .655 this year.
That said, the Rays will be sending Drew Rasmussen and his 2.96 ERA to the hill. In five years with Tampa Bay, the righty has been stellar, pitching to a 2.78 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP across 378 2/3 innings. While the Dodgers have a scary lineup, they've seen a significant dip in production on the road, with an OPS of .721.
Rasmussen doesn't usually go deep into his starts, while Snell will be on a pitch limit, but they should last long enough to see the first five innings Under cash.
Dodgers vs Rays same-game parlay (SGP)
First five innings Under 4.5
Blake Snell 6+ strikeouts
Mooke Betts Under 1.5 total bases
Last year, Snell had the second-best strikeout rate (34.6%) among pitchers who faced at least 300 batters. If his rehab stints are any indication, he can still make batters miss. He fanned 13 batters in 8 2/3 innings in Triple-A, and he faces a Rays squad that has a 23.5 strikeout rate against southpaws.
Betts is an eight-time All-Star, but he's been awful this year, slugging just .365. He's been especially bad on the road (.330 SLG) and against righties (.344 SLG), which doesn't bode well for his success today.
Dodgers vs Rays odds
Dodgers vs Rays live odds
Dodgers vs Rays opening odds
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -130 | Tampa Bay +110
- Run line: Los Angeles -1.5 (+110) | Tampa Bay +1.5 (-130)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-120) | Under 8.5 (+100)
Dodgers vs Rays trend
The Under is 7-0-1 in the Dodgers' last eight games. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Rays.
How to watch Dodgers vs Rays and game info
| Location | Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL |
| Date | Saturday-8-2-2025 |
| First pitch8.5 | 1:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | SportsNet LA, FDSN Sun |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Blake Snell (1-0, 2.00 ERA) |
| Rays starting pitcher | Drew Rasmussen (8-5, 2.96 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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