The Chicago Cubs host the Tampa Bay Rays in the opening matchup of this three-game series at Wrigley Field.
My Rays vs. Cubs prediction targets the total in this interleague contest.
Read on for my MLB picks for Friday, September 12.
Rays vs Cubs prediction
Rays vs Cubs best bet: Under 7.5 (-120)
The Chicago Cubs hand the ball to left-hander Matthew Boyd, who looks to cement the best season of his professional career. Through 28 starts, Boyd is 12-8 with a 2.92 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.
His underlying metrics are equally impressive. Entering this matchup, Boyd ranks in the top half of the league in xERA, xBA, average exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
This success is likely to continue against the Tampa Bay Rays, a team Boyd has a 3.32 ERA and 0.89 WHIP against over the past three meetings.
Meanwhile, right-hander Shane Baz takes the mound for Tampa. He also ranks in the top half of the league in xERA, xBA, average exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
Both bullpens are capable of closing the deal in this contest. This season, both relief corps rank in the top half of the league in ERA, xERA, FIP and xFIP.
Rays vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Baz particularly thrives in generating swings and misses. This season, he ranks in the top half of the league in chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate.
On the other hand, Boyd has recorded six or more strikeouts in each of his past three starts against Tampa.
Rays vs Cubs SGP
- Under 7.5 (-120)
- Matthew Boyd Over 5.5 strikeouts (-135)
- Shane Baz Over 5.5 strikeouts (-105)
Rays vs Cubs odds
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay +145 | Chicago -175)
- Run line: Tampa Bay +1.5 (-160) | Chicago -1.5 (+135)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-102) | Under 7.5 (-120)
Rays vs Cubs trend
There have been seven or fewer total runs scored in each of the past six meetings between these two teams. Find more MLB betting trends for Rays vs. Cubs.
How to watch Rays vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, September 12, 2025 |
| First pitch | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Sun, Marquee |
| Rays starting pitcher | Shane Baz (9-11, 4.94 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Matthew Boyd (12-8, 2.92 ERA) |
Rays vs Cubs latest injuries
Rays vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
