Atlanta Braves
Tampa Bay Rays
(-110/-110)-140
As the Tampa Bay Rays prepare to host the Atlanta Braves on April 12, 2025, both teams are struggling to find their footing early in the season. The Rays sit at 5-7, while the Braves are slightly worse at 3-9. This matchup marks the second game in their series, following a contest in which the Rays fell short. With both teams looking to turn their fortunes around, this game carries additional weight.
On the mound, the Rays are projected to start Drew Rasmussen, who ranks as the 26th best starting pitcher in MLB according to the leading MLB projection system. While Rasmussen’s stats show an average performance with projections of 5.3 innings pitched and 2.1 earned runs allowed, he does face some concerns with 4.5 hits and 1.3 walks projected. However, he has the potential to dominate against a struggling Braves lineup, particularly given AJ Smith-Shawver’s current standing as one of the worst pitchers in MLB. Smith-Shawver’s projections are bleak, with 4.7 innings pitched and 2.5 earned runs expected, alongside high rates of hits and walks.
Batting-wise, the Rays’ best hitter has been performing admirably, recording a .357 batting average and 1.113 OPS over the last week. Conversely, the Braves’ top hitter has shined even brighter, boasting a .409 average and 1.231 OPS. This disparity could play a significant role in the outcome of the game.
With a Game Total set at 8.5 runs, the Rays are favored with a moneyline of -140, suggesting an implied team total of 4.54 runs. Given the current trends, this matchup could tilt in favor of Tampa Bay, especially if Rasmussen can capitalize on Smith-Shawver’s struggles. Expect a competitive game as both teams seek to break free from their early-season woes.