Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 14, 2024

Published on:
May 14, 2024 6:16 AM
The Tampa Bay Rays, looking to build on their series lead, face off against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, May 14th at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park. The Rays, with a 21-21 overall record and 7-9 road record, aim to capitalize on their current series advantage. Meanwhile, the Red Sox, struggling at home with a 9-11 record, seek to bounce back and even the series.
Written by
Tampa Bay Rays
Boston Red Sox

Rays vs Red Sox starting pitchers

In the upcoming clash between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox, the pitching matchup features Aaron Civale for the Rays against Nick Pivetta for the Red Sox. Civale, with a concerning ERA of 5.88 and a WHIP of 1.35 across 41.1 innings this season, demonstrates a potential vulnerability, having surrendered a notable 8 home runs and 44 hits. On the other side, Pivetta brings a more reassuring ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.13 over 15 innings, showing better control with only 2 walks allowed compared to Civale's 12. This pitching duel sets a contrasting scene, with Civale looking to overcome his struggles, while Pivetta aims to capitalize on his steadier seasonal performance.

Rays vs Red Sox game preview

As the Tampa Bay Rays gear up to face the Boston Red Sox, they bring a balanced mix of speed and contact hitting that could pose a considerable challenge for the Red Sox's defense. Aaron Civale is set to start on the mound, bringing his distinctive pitching tactics to forefront in what promises to be a strategic game. The Rays, notable for their agility, stand 5th in stolen bases, a testament to their aggressive base running. However, their batting average at .245 (10th) and a ranking of tied-18th in runs scored highlights a potential vulnerability in converting opportunities into actual scores. Isaac Paredes, leading with a .300 batting average and 8 home runs, remains a critical player, likely to be pivotal in breaking down Boston’s defense. The game plan for the Rays would potentially leverage their speed and focus on improving their on-base situations to enhance their scoring opportunities.

On the other hand, the Boston Red Sox will count on Nick Pivetta to maintain stability from the pitching mound against the Rays. The Red Sox's overall offensive stats show a slightly stronger performance in runs scored, ranked tied-16th, and a commendable hits count at 339 (12th), which underscores their ability to connect with the ball. However, their high strikeout rate, pinned at tied-2nd, signals an area of concern that the Rays could exploit if Pivetta struggles with control. Key players like Rafael Devers, whose batting average stands at .286, along with Tyler O'Neill and Ceddanne Rafaela, both leading in home runs and RBIs respectively, will be crucial in driving the Red Sox's offensive game. Their strategy would likely revolve around capitalizing on their hitting strengths and minimizing strikeouts to gain the upper hand in what anticipates to be a tightly contested matchup.

Boston Red Sox injuries

  • Roberto Perez (C): Day-To-Day
  • Mikey Romero (SS): Day-To-Day
  • Andrew Politi (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Cutter Coffey (3B): Day-To-Day
  • Tyler Heineman (C): 10-Day-IL

Tampa Bay Rays injuries

  • Pete Fairbanks (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Jonathan Aranda (2B): 10-Day-IL
  • Osleivis Basabe (SS): Day-To-Day
  • Brandon Lowe (2B): 10-Day-IL
  • Chris Devenski (RP): 15-Day-IL

How to Watch the Rays vs Red Sox

The Rays vs. Red Sox game will be televised on NESN and is scheduled for Tue 7:10 PM.

Rays vs Red Sox predictions

The Rays are looking to take down the Sox at Fenway, and I'm thinking they've got the right guys to do it. Randy Arozarena is going to have a monster game, I'm talking 3 hits, 2 RBIs, and a stolen base. He's been on fire lately, and I think he's gonna keep it rolling against Nick Pivetta. And don't even get me started on Isaac Paredes - this guy's been crushing it all season, and I think he's gonna go yard at least once tonight. Maybe even twice. The Rays' bats are gonna be hot, folks.

On the other side, the Sox are gonna have to rely on their big guns to take down the Rays. Rafael Devers is gonna be a force to be reckoned with, I'm thinking 2 hits, an RBI, and a run scored. And don't count out Tyler O'Neill, this guy's got power for days and I think he's gonna take Aaron Civale deep at least once. The Sox' offense is gonna be tough to contain, but I think they're gonna come up just short.

In the end, I think the Rays are gonna come out on top. Civale's gonna have a solid outing, and the Rays' bullpen is gonna shut the door. The Sox are gonna fight hard, but I think the Rays are gonna take this one 5-3. The Rays' bats are gonna be too much for the Sox' pitching staff, and they're gonna come away with the W. Mark my words.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Betting Odds

Real-time odds powered by Optimal

More Picks