Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Preview, Predictions and Picks for September 18, 2024

Published on:
Sep 18, 2024 6:13 AM
The Tampa Bay Rays, leading the series 1-0, welcome the Boston Red Sox to Tropicana Field on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6:50 PM. The Rays look to build on their momentum, while the Red Sox aim to even the series in this American League East showdown.
Written by
Optimal Staff
Boston Red Sox
Tampa Bay Rays

Red Sox vs Rays starting pitchers

  • Ryan Pepiot for Tampa Bay Rays
  • Tanner Houck for Boston Red Sox

Red Sox vs Rays statistics

Stat Red Sox Rays
Hits 1326 (5th) 1166 (27th)
Batting Average .254 (5th) .231 (27th)
Runs Batted In 687 (10th) 539 (29th)
Runs 713 (10th) 578 (Tied-28th)
Home Runs 188 (8th) 140 (27th)
Walks 455 (16th) 471 (10th)
Stolen Bases 133 (8th) 172 (4th)
Strikeouts 1463 (3rd) 1389 (6th)
Pitches 22584 (6th) 22463 (8th)

Tampa Bay Rays recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/17/24 vs Boston Red Sox W 8-3
9/15/24 @ Cleveland Guardians L 2-0
9/14/24 @ Cleveland Guardians L 6-1
9/13/24 @ Cleveland Guardians W 3-1
9/12/24 @ Cleveland Guardians W 5-2

Boston Red Sox recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/17/24 @ Tampa Bay Rays L 8-3
9/15/24 @ New York Yankees L 5-2
9/14/24 @ New York Yankees W 7-1
9/13/24 @ New York Yankees L 5-4
9/12/24 @ New York Yankees L 2-1 F/10

Red Sox vs Rays predictions

Heading into the second game of this series with the Tampa Bay Rays, we've got our eyes on a few Boston Red Sox players who could make a significant impact. Rafael Devers, always a key asset, looks poised to continue his solid hitting, potentially adding runs and RBIs to his tally. With his knack for doubles, Devers could be crucial in driving home early leads. On the pitching side, Tanner Houck is another Red Sox player to watch. Given his record and ERA this season, Houck could very well dominate on the mound, keeping the Rays' hitters at bay and piling up those strikeouts. It would be no surprise to see him play a pivotal role in tonight’s outcome.

Flip over to the Tampa Bay Rays, and Yandy Diaz stands out as a major contributor. Sporting a strong batting average this season, Diaz has the capability to consistently get on base, setting the stage for potential scoring opportunities. His eye for walks adds another level of threat, ensuring the Rays keep the pressure on Boston's defense. Then there's Ryan Pepiot on the mound, whose ERA suggests he could handle the Red Sox lineup effectively. If Pepiot can control the game’s pace and minimize walks, the Rays might just keep things tight.

With these projections in mind, predicting tonight's winner is tricky but leans slightly in favor of the Boston Red Sox. While both teams are closely matched, the combination of Houck's pitching prowess for the Red Sox and their slightly more potent offensive statistics gives them a narrow edge over the Rays. However, as any seasoned MLB fan knows, the game could swing either way depending on which team capitalizes on their opportunities. It should be an exciting matchup to follow!

Tampa Bay Rays injuries

  • Jacob Waguespack (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Richie Palacios (2B): 10-Day-IL
  • Jeffrey Springs (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Shane McClanahan (SP): 60-Day-IL
  • Pete Fairbanks (RP): 15-Day-IL

Boston Red Sox injuries

  • Tanner Houck (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Rob Refsnyder (LF): Day-To-Day
  • Lucas Sims (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Isaiah Campbell (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Luis Garcia (RP): 15-Day-IL

Red Sox vs Rays game info

Venue Tropicana Field
Location St. Petersburg, Florida
First pitch Wed 6:50 PM
Temperature 87°
Chance of Rain 7%

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Betting Odds

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