Tampa Bay Rays vs. St. Louis Cardinals: Preview, Predictions and Picks for August 6, 2024

Published on:
Aug 6, 2024 6:14 AM
The Tampa Bay Rays, sitting at 57-54 and fourth in the AL East, travel to Busch Stadium to face the St. Louis Cardinals, who are 57-56 and third in the NL Central, in the opening game of their three-game series on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 7:45 PM. The Rays look to build on their solid road record of 27-25, while the Cardinals aim to capitalize on their home advantage, where they're 29-26 so far this season.
Written by
Optimal Staff
Tampa Bay Rays
St. Louis Cardinals

Rays vs Cardinals starting pitchers

  • Sonny Gray for St. Louis Cardinals
  • Jeffrey Springs for Tampa Bay Rays

Rays vs Cardinals statistics

Stat Rays Cardinals
Hits 866 (27th) 939 (13th)
Batting Average .235 (23rd) .245 (13th)
Runs Batted In 412 (28th) 442 (24th)
Runs 441 (28th) 468 (Tied-21st)
Home Runs 106 (26th) 116 (20th)
Walks 368 (9th) 322 (23rd)
Stolen Bases 116 (4th) 63 (22nd)
Strikeouts 1013 (6th) 940 (17th)
Pitches 16795 (9th) 16675 (12th)

St. Louis Cardinals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
8/5/24 vs New York Mets L 6-0
8/4/24 @ Chicago Cubs L 6-2
8/3/24 @ Chicago Cubs W 5-4
8/2/24 @ Chicago Cubs L 6-3
8/1/24 @ Chicago Cubs L 5-4

Tampa Bay Rays recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
8/4/24 @ Houston Astros W 1-0
8/3/24 @ Houston Astros W 6-1
8/2/24 @ Houston Astros L 3-2
7/31/24 vs Miami Marlins L 6-2
7/30/24 vs Miami Marlins W 9-3

Rays vs Cardinals predictions

The Tampa Bay Rays, bracing for an enthralling three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, have some key players to watch. For instance, Jose Siri, with his dynamic play in the outfield and 14 home runs under his belt this season, is undoubtedly one to keep an eye on. Considering his role, Siri's ability to snag a few extra base hits could significantly lift the Rays in this face-off. And then there's Yandy Diaz, nursing a wrist bruise but still holding strong with a team-leading .277 batting average and 50 RBIs. If he's ready to play, his at-bats will be crucial against the Cardinals' pitching.

Speaking of the Cardinals, St. Louis boasts some serious firepower too. Their standout, Nolan Gorman, already has notched 19 homers and could be a major threat with his slugger reputation. Coupled with Alec Burleson, who leads the team with 64 RBIs, the Cardinals have a strong lineup that could give the Rays' pitchers a run for their money. Additionally, given Sonny Gray's impressive season (a 3.72 ERA with 147 strikeouts), his performance on the mound will likely set the tone for the series-opener.

Given the stats and star power on display, it's shaping up to be a closely contested series. However, considering the consistency and depth of pitching and offense the Cardinals have shown, especially with the likes of Sonny Gray closing in on peak form, the scale slightly tips in favor of St. Louis for this series opener. It'll no doubt be a battle, but the Cardinals might just have that extra edge to clinch a victory in front of their home fans at Busch Stadium.

St. Louis Cardinals injuries

  • Riley O'Brien (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Tekoah Roby (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Steven Matz (SP): 60-Day-IL
  • Lance Lynn (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Michael Siani (CF): 10-Day-IL

Tampa Bay Rays injuries

  • Yandy Diaz (1B): Day-To-Day
  • Drew Rasmussen (SP): 60-Day-IL
  • Jacob Waguespack (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Richard Lovelady (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Ryan Pepiot (SP): 15-Day-IL

Rays vs Cardinals game info

Venue Busch Stadium
Location St. Louis, Missouri
First pitch Tue 7:45 PM
TV Bally Sports MW
Temperature 86°
Chance of Rain 0%

Tampa Bay Rays vs. St. Louis Cardinals Betting Odds

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