The Tampa Bay Rays are priced as a -137 moneyline favorite for tonight's series opener at Comerica Park against the Detroit Tigers, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
Behind the very consistent Drew Rasmussen, my Rays vs. Tigers predictions back Tampa to win this contest.
Read more in my MLB picks for Monday, August 24.
Who will win Rays vs Tigers today: Rays (-137)
The Tampa Bay Rays send Drew Rasmussen to the hill, and while he has given up more runs than usual lately, the underlying numbers are still solid. The right-hander owns a 3.98 FIP over his previous two outings and a 2.41 xERA over the last month.
During that span, Rasmussen has held opponents to a 28.6% hard-hit rate and 2.9% barrel rate. He also faces a Detroit Tigers lineup with just an 87 wRC+ over its last six games.
As for Framber Valdez, he is in poor form. The left-hander has surrendered 7.15 BB/9 across his last two starts while allowing a 51.4% hard-hit rate and posting a 5.47 FIP.
Tampa Bay has the edge.
Play up to -150.
COVERS INTEL: The Rays have an 111 wRC+ across their last 13 games, a tad higher than their season average of 105 wRC+. They're in good enough offensive form to punish the struggling Valdez. 
Rays vs Tigers Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 runs (-112)
It’s a modest 7.5 total, and the Over has value given the possibility of late-game runs. Both of these bullpens are extremely vulnerable right now.
Detroit’s relief corps has a 5.48 FIP across the last week while allowing an alarming 2.49 HR/9. Tampa Bay’s pen isn’t much better, compiling a 5.16 FIP during that same span while giving up 2.00 HR/9.
Even if Rasmussen deals as I expect, Detroit has a real opportunity to score late. As for Tampa Bay, Valdez’s command issues and the Tigers’ shaky bullpen give the Rays a clear path to tack on runs.
Play this pick up to -140.
- ML/RL bets: 56-66, -18.11 units
- Over/Under bets: 68-51, +7.91 units
Rays vs Tigers weather
Weather at Comerica Park looks pretty clean tonight, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures sitting in the mid-70s before dipping to around 73°F by 9 p.m. ET. Winds are moderate early, around 10–12 mph, before easing later, and rain chances are extremely low. Overall, conditions look playable with minimal delay risk.
Rays vs Tigers odds
- Moneyline: Rays -137 | Tigers +124
- Run line: Rays -1.5 (+129) | Tigers +1.5 (-142)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-112)| Under 7.5 (-103)
Rays vs Tigers trend
The Tampa Bay Rays have hit the Moneyline in 13 of their last 16 away games (+10.15 Units / 47% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Rays vs. Tigers.
How to watch Rays vs Tigers and game info
| Location | Comerica Park, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Monday, August 24, 2026 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
| Rays starting pitcher | Drew Rasmussen (13-5, 3.01 ERA) |
| Tigers starting pitcher | Framber Valdez (8-8, 4.35 ERA) |
Rays vs Tigers latest injuries
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.
