July 31, 2026, 1:02 p.m. ET
The Chicago White Sox (57-51) and Tampa Bay Rays (64-44) play the opener of a 3-game series between first-place teams Friday in Tampa, Florida. First pitch from Tropicana Field is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze MLB odds around the White Sox vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Rays lead 3-0
The White Sox, who lead the AL Central, split a 4-game set with the New York Yankees, winning the finale 2-1 Thursday. OF Tristan Peters walked to force in the winning run in the 11th inning. The Sox managed just 6 hits in the win. The story of the series was how well the pitching held up. They allowed the Bombers to score just 9 runs in the final 3 games, which was a true test as the White Sox have October aspirations.
The Rays, leaders of the AL East, took 2 of 3 from the Texas Rangers with a 3-2 winner Thursday to close out the series. DH Yandy Diaz went 2 for 4 as a catalyst atop the lineup. Tampa has won 8 of 10, which is saying something since 3B Junior Caminero is just 4 for 23 in his last 7 games.
Watch MLB on Fubo!White Sox at Rays projected starters
RHP Erick Fedde vs. RHP Nick Martinez
Fedde (5-6, 4.25 ERA) makes his 12th start (22nd appearance). He has a 1.40 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 6.3 K/9 in 97 1/3 innings.
Last start: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K in a 12-3 win over Houston Astros Sunday2 career starts vs. Rays: 2-0, 2.03 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 15 K’s in 13 1/3 IP
Martinez (10-2, 2.45 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 5.1 K/9 in 117 1/3 innings.
Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 5 K in a 3-0 win over Cleveland Guardians SaturdayLast 5 starts vs. White Sox: 2-3, 4.78 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 22 K’s in 26 1/3 IPWhite Sox at Rays odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:53 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): White Sox +118 (bet $100 to win $118) | Rays -145 (bet $145 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-185) | Rays -1.5 (+150)Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Slide into: BaseballHQ.com for your fantasy baseball news. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today!
White Sox at Rays picks and predictionsPrediction
Rays 3, White Sox 2
The Rays have failed to score more than 3 runs in 5 straight games, but they’re 4-1 in the process. Both bullpens are middle of the pack, but Tampa has the starter advantage.
Take the RAYS (-145).
Give me ERICK FEDDE UNDER 3.5 STRIKEOUTS (-155). Tampa is the toughest team to K at 7.20 K/game. Fedde has only recorded more than 3 K’s in 1 of his last 7 starts.
The White Sox are 6-4 O/U in their last 10, and the Rays are 3-7. Both teams have pitched well of late and strung together just enough runs to stay afloat.
Go UNDER 8 (+100).
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @rdodsonsports on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
Prediction Markets: Certain prediction markets are event contracts regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or other applicable regulatory authorities and are legally distinct from traditional gambling and sports betting. Eligibility requirements to participate in prediction markets differ from those for sports betting and gambling — you may be required to be 18 or older (or such other age as the applicable platform requires) and to satisfy other eligibility criteria established by the relevant platform and governing law. Prediction market trading involves financial risk and may not be available in all jurisdictions. The legal and regulatory status of prediction markets varies by jurisdiction and by platform. It is your sole responsibility to confirm that participation is lawful where you reside and to comply with all applicable laws and platform terms.