White Sox vs Rays Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

Quinn Allen - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Quinn Allen • Betting Analyst 7+ years betting experience
Updated: Jul 31, 2026 , 09:29 AM ET • 4 min read

Nick Martinez's dominance and the vulnerabilities of Erick Fedde give Tampa Bay a clear edge tonight.

MLB

Match starts: 8 hrs
CHW
34 %
TB
66 %
EXPERT PICK - MONEYLINE
Tampa Bay -142 Tampa Bay -142
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Nick Martinez Tampa Bay Rays MLB
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez (21) pitches during the fifth inning for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

The first place Tampa Bay Rays head into tonight's series opener against the Chicago White Sox as a clear -144 home moneyline favorite as they send the dominant Nick Martinez to the mound. 

Behind the consistency of their veteran right-hander, my White Sox vs. Rays predictions are targeting Tampa to grab their third straight victory. 

Read more in my MLB picks for Friday, July 31. 

Who will win White Sox vs Rays today: Rays moneyline (-142)

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to play well, and they will be confident with Nick Martinez on the hill. The righty is in impressive form, posting a 3.21 xERA across his last four appearances.

During that span, he's allowed just 1.19 BB/9 and 0.79 HR/9 while limiting opponents to a 27.4% hard-hit rate. The Chicago White Sox aren't exactly thriving offensively either, posting a 92 wRC+ over the last week. 

As for Erick Fedde, he is having real trouble lately. Fedde sports a 7.78 FIP in his previous two outings, giving up an alarming 4.32 HR/9. The Rays aren't lighting it up at the dish right now, but their home wRC+ sits at 114, compared to a 97 mark on the road. 

Martinez throws another gem, and the Rays capitalize on Fedde's vulnerabilities. 

I'll play this pick up to -160, but no higher. Given Fedde's issues with the long ball, the runline offers value as well. 

Covers COVERS INTEL: Erick Fedde has allowed a 55.6% hard-hit rate over the last month, compared to his season average of 40.5%. This is a clear opportunity for the Rays to jump on him. 

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White Sox vs Rays Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 runs (-116)

The Under feels like the logical play tonight. Even though the Rays swing it much better at home, they have produced just a 92 wRC+ over their last six games, matching Chicago’s recent mark. Both bullpen profiles also point to fewer late-game runs once the starters depart.

The Tampa Bay relief corps owns a solid 1.88 xERA over its previous 25.1 frames while holding opponents to a mere 1.6% barrel rate. As for the White Sox pen, it has posted a 3.85 FIP over the last week while surrendering just 0.56 HR/9.

I do expect Fedde to give up some runs, while Martinez should keep Chicago quiet. But once both starters exit, runs could be difficult to come by considering the current form of these bullpens.

I’ll play this pick up to -130.

Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 38-51, -17.97 units
  • Over/Under bets: 48-39, +2.61 units

White Sox vs Rays weather

Outside conditions around Tropicana Field look warm and humid tonight, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-80s. There is some shower risk in the area, but Tropicana Field’s indoor setup means weather should not affect scoring, ball carry, or delay risk.

White Sox vs Rays odds

  • Moneyline: Chicago +133 | Tampa Bay -138
  • Run line: Chicago +1.5 (-156) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+108) | Under 8.5 (-113)

White Sox vs Rays trend

The Under is 5-0 in Rays' last 5 games as a home favorite. Find more MLB betting trends for White Sox vs. Rays.

How to watch White Sox vs Rays and game info

Location Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Date Friday, July 31, 2026
First pitch 7:10 p.m. ET
TV CHSN, Rays.TV
White Sox starting pitcher Erick Fedde
(5-6, 4.25 ERA)
Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez
(10-2, 2.45 ERA)

White Sox vs Rays latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Quinn Allen - Covers
Betting Analyst

Quinn Allen is an experienced sports journalist from Vancouver, Canada who fell in love with sports by the time he could walk. He proceeded to play high-level baseball and soccer growing up and eventually played college baseball in the United States.

After his career ended, Quinn received his broadcast journalism degree from BCIT and has since written for many sports publications including ClutchPoints, Gino Hard, and RG, where he plies his trade as a writer and editor.

Quinn's favorite team is Chelsea FC and he'd like to watch a match at Stamford Bridge one day. He loves to bet on NBA player props and encourages others to bet responsibly and not chase losses.

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