Free MLB Picks Today: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Tampa Bay Rays 6/28/23

Hot-hitting Christian Walker will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Arizona Diamondbacks (48-32) host the Tampa Bay Rays (54-28) at Chase Field on Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks took Tuesday’s series opener 8-4. Zac Gallen got the win, allowing four runs on five hits over six innings. Evan Longoria went 2 for 3 with a home run and two runs in the win. Corbin Carroll added a home run and three RBIs. Isaac Paredes was 3 for 4 with two doubles and one run for the Rays.

ON THE MOUND

Zach Eflin (9-3, 3.35 ERA) is set to start for Tampa Bay. The righty is tied for second in the AL in wins. Eflin allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, an 11-3 road win over the Royals on Friday. He was credited with the win, scattering seven hits while striking out seven and walking two.

RHP Zach Davies (1-4, 7.82 ERA) will toe the rubber for Arizona. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rays. In his last start on Friday, Davies took the loss on the road against the Giants. He threw four innings and gave up six runs on six hits, striking out two and walking four in the 8-5 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Tampa Bay has averaged 5.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 5.5. Against righties like Davies this season, the Rays have a .796 OPS, second highest in MLB. Randy Arozarena is the team’s biggest on-base threat against right-handers with a .416 OBP in 160 at-bats.

Arizona is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.2 for the season. The D-backs have a .785 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the third highest in MLB.

With a .394 OBP over 204 at-bats, Geraldo Perdomo has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Tampa Bay is on a three-game losing streak away from Tropicana Field, bringing their record to 20-18 in 2023. The Rays have scored 5.2 runs per game away from home while allowing 3.8 runs.

Arizona has gone 24-18 at their home park this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.6. Arizona is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Chase Field with an average scoreline of 5.5-4.9.