Explore Dodgers vs Rays Expert Picks and Betting Guide – 8/02/2025

Los Angeles Dodgers

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Tampa Bay Rays

On August 2, 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays will host the Los Angeles Dodgers at George M. Steinbrenner Field in what could be a critical showdown in this interleague series. This matchup comes on the heels of a tight contest yesterday, where the Dodgers took the first game. With the stakes high, both teams are looking to establish momentum.

The Rays currently sit with a record of 54-57 this season, reflecting an average performance, while the Dodgers boast an impressive 64-46 record, signifying a great season. Tampa Bay’s offense ranks 14th overall but shines in batting average, placing 6th in MLB—suggesting they can get on base. However, they lag behind in home runs and power. Meanwhile, the Dodgers hold the 2nd-best offense in the league, excelling particularly with their power game, having hit 163 home runs this year.

On the mound, Tampa Bay is set to start Drew Rasmussen, who has performed well this season with an 8-5 record and an excellent ERA of 2.96. However, projections suggest he may struggle today, with averages predicting 4.8 innings pitched and 2.4 earned runs allowed. In contrast, Blake Snell, the Dodgers’ starter, has been effective in his limited appearances, sporting a 2.00 ERA over 2 starts this season, but his elevated xFIP of 6.86 indicates some potential luck has aided his performance.

While the Rays’ bullpen ranks 2nd in MLB and is a significant advantage, the Dodgers are no slouches either, ranking 5th. Ultimately, this matchup could come down to whether Tampa Bay’s offense can capitalize on the opportunities against Snell and if Rasmussen can minimize the damage from the potent Dodgers lineup. With the Dodgers favored on the moneyline, the Rays have a chance to rise above their current odds if they capitalize on their strengths.

Los Angeles Dodgers Insights

• Blake Snell – Over/Under 5.5 Strikeouts (-120/-110)
  Blake Snell has a reverse platoon split and should be aided by facing 7 opposite-handed batters today.
  Explain: A pitcher with a reverse platoon split will perform better against opposite-handed hitters (i.e. a right-handed pitcher will be better against a left-handed hitter). Holding this advantage against several hitters can have a huge impact on whether a pitcher will perform well or struggle on any given day.

Tampa Bay Rays Insights

• Tampa Bay Rays – Moneyline (+115)
  The Tampa Bay Rays infield defense profiles as the 3rd-strongest among all the teams today.
  Explain: Defense is an integral part of preventing hits and runs.
• The Tampa Bay Rays (19.7 K% (according to the leading projection system, THE BAT X) are forecasted to have the 3rd-least strikeout-prone team of hitters of the day.
  Explain: THE BAT X analyzes each player in today’s specific lineup to figure out which teams have the least inherent strikeout potential for the opposing pitcher.

Betting Trends

• Tampa Bay Rays – Over/Under 3.5 Team Total (-135/+105)
  The Tampa Bay Rays have hit the Team Total Under in 59 of their last 98 games (+14.25 Units / 12% ROI)
• Over/Under 8.5 Game Total (-120/+100)
  The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit the Game Total Under in 28 of their last 46 away games (+9.25 Units / 18% ROI)
• Blake Snell – Over/Under 3.5 Hits Allowed (-135/+105)
  Blake Snell has hit the Hits Allowed Under in 5 of his last 6 away games (+4.30 Units / 59% ROI)