July 31, 2026, 1:02 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
The Chicago White Sox<\/a> (57-51) and Tampa Bay Rays<\/a> (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<\/a> for the best bets.<\/p>\n Season series: Rays lead 3-0<\/p>\n The White Sox, who lead the AL Central, split a 4-game set with the New York Yankees<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Watch MLB on Fubo!<\/a>White Sox at Rays projected starters<\/p>\n RHP Erick Fedde vs. RHP Nick Martinez<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub<\/a> for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:53 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n 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)<\/p>\n Slide into: BaseballHQ.com<\/a> for your fantasy baseball news. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today<\/a>!<\/p>\n White Sox at Rays picks and predictionsPrediction<\/p>\n Rays 3, White Sox 2<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Take the RAYS (-145).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Go UNDER 8 (+100).<\/p>\n Betting odds calculator<\/a><\/p>\n For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com<\/a> and BetFTW<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow @rdodsonsports on\u00a0Twitter\/X<\/a>. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter\/X<\/a> and like us on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our editors independently choose our recommendations. 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