The first place Tampa Bay Rays head into today's contest against the Chicago White Sox as a heavy -156 moneyline favorite at Tropicana Field.
With Drew Rasmussen in good form, my White Sox vs. Rays predictions expect Tampa to bounce back in Game 2 of the series with a victory.
Read more in my MLB picks for Saturday, August 1.
Who will win White Sox vs Rays today: Rays moneyline (-161)
The Tampa Bay Rays hand Drew Rasmussen the baseball this afternoon, who is one of their most reliable starters. The right-hander owns a fantastic 1.51 FIP across his last two outings, not allowing a single home run during that span while limiting opponents to a 23.3% hard-hit rate.
On the other side, the Chicago White Sox counter with Jordan Hicks. While he's looked good lately, Hicks is expected to be the opener, which means this will be a bullpen game for Chicago. That's certainly not a bad thing, as they've collected a 3.67 xERA over the last week.
But Tampa is in respectable offensive form, posting a 106 wRC+ over their last 13 games, and Rasmussen's dominance gives them a slight edge. I don't expect this one to be lopsided, but the Rays will do enough at the dish to prevail.
I'll play this pick up to -160 only. The run line is a supporting option.
COVERS INTEL: The Rays are a much better team offensively at home, posting a 112 wRC+ compared to a 97 wRC+ on the road in 2026. That home split gives Rasmussen more support in a matchup where margins may be thin.
White Sox vs Rays Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 runs (-121)
The Under looks like the better angle at 8.5. Tampa Bay has been much quieter offensively over the last week despite its stronger home profile, while the White Sox are sitting right around league average with a 98 wRC+ over their last seven games.
The bullpen setup also supports a lower-scoring game. Chicago’s relief corps has done a better job limiting damage lately and has barely allowed any long-ball damage. Tampa Bay’s bullpen has been even sharper, sporting a 2.08 xERA over its last 24.2 innings of work.
With Rasmussen giving the Rays a stable starting-pitching edge and both bullpens in strong form, I do not expect a ton of runs today at Tropicana Field.
I’ll play this pick up to -130.
- ML/RL bets: 39-52, -18.25 units
- Over/Under bets: 50-39, +4.38 units
White Sox vs Rays weather
Outside conditions near Tropicana Field look warm and humid, with scattered shower risk around the game window. But because Tropicana Field is a domed venue, weather should not affect scoring, ball carry, or delay risk.
White Sox vs Rays odds
- Moneyline: Chicago +150 | Tampa Bay -156
- Run line: Chicago +1.5 (-138) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+133)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+113) | Under 8.5 (-117)
White Sox vs Rays trend
The Under is 6-0 in Rays' last 6 home games. 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, FL |
| Date | Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
| First pitch | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | CHSN, Rays.TV |
| White Sox starting pitcher | Jordan Hicks (1-1, 3.19 ERA) |
| Rays starting pitcher | Drew Rasmussen (9-5, 3.07 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.
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.
