Brooms out for the folks from Philadelphia! They’re looking to sweep Tampa clean. 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 Philadelphia Phillies are poised to seal the deal in Tampa, aiming for the series sweep after dominating the first two games. Their offense, alive and firing, has outscored the Tampa Bay Rays 15-4, leaving little doubt about who’s in control. With Jesus Luzardo (3-0, 1.94 ERA) on the mound, the Rays will have their hands full—again.
Luzardo has been near-perfect this season, boasting an gobsmacking 1.94 ERA and 47 strikeouts across 41.2 innings. Opponents are hitting just .234 against him, a testament to his elite command and ability to suffocate even the hottest hitters. He’s given up just one home run this year, underscoring his ability to keep the ball in the yard—something the Rays will struggle to solve.
On the other side, Ryan Pepiot (2-4, 4.23 ERA) hasn’t exactly been reliable. He’s issued 14 walks and given up eight home runs in just 38.1 innings. His WHIP sits at 1.41, a concerning number against a potent Phillies lineup. The Rays’ offensive struggles—ranking 23rd in runs per game (3.75) and .239 batting average—are not going to magically improve against Luzardo.
Philadelphia’s top hitters—Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner—are ready to feast. Harper’s .241 average masks a veteran presence who’s producing clutch hits, while Schwarber’s 12 homers lead the team. Turner, meanwhile, is on fire, batting .462 in his last 9 games, making him an ideal candidate to spark the offense.
Phillies vs. Rays pick, best bet
The Rays, struggling to find their rhythm, are limping through a season marred by injuries, including key players like Josh Lowe and Shane McClanahan. The inconsistency of Pepiot won’t be enough to keep them competitive against a Phillies team that’s clicking on all cylinders.
Philadelphia is a strong -145 favorite, and with Luzardo leading the charge, this is a matchup in their favor. Pepiot’s struggles and Tampa Bay’s 9-15 home record make it clear who’s more likely to prevail here. The Phillies have shown all the signs of being the dominant force in this one, and the value at -1.5 (+120) is clear. Luzardo’s elite form coupled with a red-hot offense is too much for a battered Rays team to overcome.
Not to mention, it just never feels wise to bet against this era of the Phillies when they get this hot. Brooms out.
Best bet: Phillies (-155) at Rays
Back the sweep—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
