American League contenders are set to clash tonight at Tropicana Field. The White Sox (57-51) eked out two straight extra-inning wins over the Yankees. Now, this up and coming squad will attempt to keep it going against a loaded Rays (64-44) squad. Owners of the AL’s best record, Tampa Bay is hoping to make a statement in this potential postseason preview.

The Rays are favorites (-137) over the White Sox, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s showdown between Chicago and Tampa Bay on DraftKings Sportsbook.

White Sox vs. Rays pick, best bet today

White Sox vs. Rays under 8.5 runs (-124): The White Sox have been a mess at the plate throughout July. As for the Rays, they haven’t performed well offensively against southpaws. Add it all up, and taking the under tonight makes sense.

White Sox vs. Rays prediction, preview

Chicago’s greatest strength is at the plate, not on the mound. Toeing the slab for the visitors tonight will be Erick Fedde, a capable but limited hurler. Through 97.1 innings of work (11 starts), he’s notched a 4.25 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 68 strikeouts (6.3 K/9). However, a semi-decent ERA is about the only thing working in the veteran’s favor. He sits below the tenth percentile among qualified starters in chase rate (23.9%), whiff rate (18.1%) and strikeout rate (16.1%). Length has been Fedde’s biggest issue; he’s tossed less than 5.0 innings in six of his previous eight outings.

Tampa Bay’s offense is decent, ranking 15th in runs (481), third in batting average (.259) and fifth in on-base percentage (.330). However, this lineup is the most top-heavy of any title contender. Three different batters on the active roster have a wRC+ above 120, headlined by Junior Caminero (149 wRC+). However, only one other position player with 200+ plate appearances (Johny De Luca) surpasses the 100 wRC+ threshold. It’s also worth mentioning that the Rays own the tenth-worst OPS against left-handed pitching (.692).

As for the home team, it’ll be Nick Martinez on the bump tonight. It’s been a career year for the 35-year-old, among the American League’s best in several traditional categories. Over 117.2 innings pitched (20 starts), he’s produced a 2.45 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 67 strikeouts (5.1 K/9). To boot, the crafty veteran paces all of baseball with a 1.5 BB/9 ratio. Granted, there’s no question that Martinez has gotten somewhat lucky this season. He ranks within the fourth percentile in whiff rate (17.8%) and strikeout rate (14.2%), all while sporting a mediocre 4.34 xERA. Still, at this point in the season, Martinez is doing something right. He’s been fantastic over 11 appearances at Tropicana Field (2.78 ERA).

Taking care of Chicago’s lineup could prove difficult. After all, the AL Central leaders are eighth in runs (516) and sixth in home runs (139). Standout slugger Munetaka Murakami (154 wRC+) leads an exciting young core of position players. With all that being said, this group has fallen on hard times in recent weeks. During the month of July, the White Sox have posted the fifth-worst OPS in the majors (.663). The South Siders have scored two runs or fewer in three of their last six contests.

Best Bet: White Sox vs. Rays under 8.5 runs (-101)

Neither Fedde or Martinez fits the bill of a shutdown pitcher. However, taking the under tonight is more about fading these two offenses. Tampa Bay struggles against left-handed pitching, all while being carried by just three hitters. As for the White Sox, they’ve been ineffective at the plate for an entire month at this point. Expect an intense, playoff-like atmosphere in this one.

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