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Marlins vs. Rays Prediction and Odds for Tuesday, May 24 (Bet McClanahan to Win Pitching Duel Against Lopez)

By Matt De Saro

Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane McClanahan.
Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane McClanahan. / Douglas P. DeFelice/GettyImages
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I don’t think any player has impressed me so far this year as much as Pablo Lopez. The 26-year-old pitcher for the Miami Marlins is having a breakout season so far after posting a career ERA of 3.73 in his last four campaigns. Today Lopez will battle it out with Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays in a showdown between these in-state rivals. 

Despite Lopez’s amazing start to the year, the Marlins still suck and are in fourth in the NL East at 18-22. However, because of this, bettors can back one of the hottest arms in the league for a great underdog price. 

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Marlins vs. Rays Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line

  • Marlins: +1.5 (-175)
  • Rays: -1.5 (+145)

Moneyline:

  • Marlins: +143
  • Rays: -153

Total:

  • Total 6.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Marlins vs. Rays Prediction and Pick

Lopez, it should be noted, did suffer his first “bad” start of the year on Wednesday against the lowly Washington Nationals. He gave up three earned runs off four hits and lasted just three innings. He struck out two while walking three in what would end up in a loss for Miami. A loss against a terrible team to boot. 

And while I want nothing more than to trust Lopez to bounce back against the Rays tonight, I’m ignoring one very important thing. McClanahan can ball. The young southpaw is 3-2 with a 2.33 ERA and microscopic 0.86 WHIP in 46 ⅓ innings. The Rays have won three in a row with McClanahan on the hill. 

Considering how much better the rest of their team is, the Rays have to feel pretty good about their chances to beat Lopez and the Marlins today. I tend to agree and believe McClanahan finishes the year with better stats than Lopez when all is said and done.

He walks less, strikes out more, and is left-handed. McClanahan is second in the league in strikeouts, fourth in WHIP, and 14th in ERA. He and the Rays are worth a bet today as home favorites. 

Pick: Rays ML -153

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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