Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Tampa Bay Rays 5/29/23

Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Tampa Bay Rays 5/29/23
Mon 29th May 2023

The Tampa Bay Rays (39-16) take one of the most productive lineups in MLB on the road to face the Chicago Cubs (22-30) at Wrigley Field on Monday for the first of a three-game Interleague series.

The Rays are playing their first of seven games on the road after closing out a productive 10-game homestand (7-3). They won two out of three in their last series against the Dodgers, taking the finale 11-10 on Sunday at Tropicana Field.

Isaac Paredes was 3 for 5 with a home run and a double. He scored two runs and had four RBIs. Luke Raley added a double, three runs, and two RBIs. The Cubs are kicking off the final series of their nine-game homestand.

They are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Reds, dropping the finale 8-5 on Sunday at Wrigley Field for their fourth straight loss. Patrick Wisdom went 2 for 3 with two home runs and five RBIs.

Trey Mancini added a double and one run. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Last season, the Rays won two of the three games between the teams.

ON THE MOUND

Shane McClanahan (8-0, 1.97 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Tampa Bay. The left-hander is tied for the MLB lead in wins. He also ranks second in the AL in ERA and fourth in strikeouts (75). McClanahan allowed one run over seven innings in his last start, a 7-3 home win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

He was credited with the win, giving up four hits while striking out seven. McClanahan made one start against the Cubs in 2022, a 4-2 road loss on April 18. He surrendered two runs on four hits over six innings, striking out nine.

For Chicago, right-hander Marcus Stroman (4-4, 2.95 ERA) takes the mound. Stroman made one start against the Rays in 2022, throwing 4.1 innings in an 8-2 home defeat on April 20. He gave up eight hits and walked two, while striking out seven in the loss.

In his last start on Wednesday, Stroman got the win at home against the Mets. He threw eight innings and gave up two runs on four hits, striking out three and walking two in the 4-2 victory.

AT THE PLATE

The Tampa Bay offense is averaging 6.1 runs per game for the season, second best in MLB, with a slash line of .271/.346/.499. Four Rays hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Yandy Diaz (1.048). The third baseman is slashing .325/.429/.619 with 12 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 37 runs over 45 games.

Over the last five games, however, Tampa Bay has averaged 7.6 runs a game while slashing better across the board (.316/.377/.506). Against right-handed pitchers like Stroman this season, the Rays have an .817 OPS, highest in MLB. Diaz also is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a 1.068 OPS in 127 at-bats.

Chicago is slashing .257/.335/.419 for the season and averaging 4.7 runs per game. Four Cubs hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Seiya Suzuki (.872). The left fielder has six home runs, 19 RBIs, and 17 runs scored with a slash line of .287/.380/.493.

Chicago is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five with their slash line dropping across the board (.205/.301/.317). The Cubs have ann .813 OPS against southpaws in 2023, fourth highest in MLB. With a .987 OPS over 51 at-bats, Cody Bellinger has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Tampa Bay is 13-10 away from home in 2023, scoring 6.3 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Chicago has lost four in a row at their home ballpark.

The Cubs are 13-15 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.6. In the last 10 games at Wrigley Field between the teams, Tampa Bay is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.1-3.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Rays lead the AL East by four games over the Orioles. The Cubs are fifth in the NL Central, four games behind the Brewers.

SportsTips’ MLB Pick:

TB Rays (-120)

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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.

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