The Phillies head into this matchup with undeniable momentum after their 8-4 win on Tuesday. Cristopher Sanchez (3-1, 3.45 ERA) takes the hill, and the Rays should be worried. They’re not great at home. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Wendesday night baseball game between the Rays and the Phillies.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Rays vs. Phillies prediction, preview
The Phillies have been on fire, snatching five straight victories, including an 8-4 dismantling of the Rays in Tuesday’s opener. Cristopher Sanchez has been an elitely-dependable arm, limiting damage across four straight starts, holding opponents to a modest .235 average. Meanwhile, Shane Baz (3-1, 3.86 ERA) struggles with consistency—evident in his disastrous outing against the Royals where he allowed seven earned runs on nine hits in just 5.2 innings. With Baz prone to allowing significant runs, the Phillies’ high-octane offense—bolstered by Schwarber’s power and Trea Turner’s consistency—will find ample opportunities to capitalize.
Tampa Bay has been flatlining, especially at home, with a 9-14 record. They’ve been outscored in five of their last seven home games, and their offense continues to falter, ranking 22nd in runs per game. Yes, Yandy Diaz is solid, batting .257 with 17 RBIs, and Jonathan Aranda has proven an on-base machine.
But these isolated efforts aren’t enough against a Phillies squad that can string together innings. Add to that the fact that the Rays have consistently underperformed against left-handed pitching (.189 as a team over the last 14 days), and the edge heavily favors Sanchez to dominate this matchup.
Phillies vs. Rays pick, best bet
On the mound, Sanchez owns a 3.24 ERA away from home this season, and his ability to induce weak contact (opponents’ groundball rate of 58% in 2024) gives him the upper hand against a Rays team that ranks bottom-third in slugging percentage. The Phillies, with their 4.8 runs per game and a top-tier OBP, should comfortably control the flow of this game. He’s flat-out not someone to bet against. As we’ve, ahem, found out.
The Phillies’ bullpen has been nails as well, maintaining a 3.97 ERA, while Tampa Bay has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent arms out of the pen. Despite Baz’s potential, he simply doesn’t stack up against Sanchez’s recent form or Philadelphia’s offensive depth.
At -140 on the moneyline, the Phillies represent solid value for a road team that’s dominated this matchup. Expect them to extend their head-to-head win streak to seven games. With Baz’s struggles and the Phillies’ solid offensive rhythm, this game feels like another easy win for the visitors.
Best bet: Phillies (-140) at Rays
Sanchez is the real deal—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
