Free MLB Picks Today: Tampa Bay Rays vs Philadelphia Phillies 7/5/23

The Philadelphia Phillies (45-39) are on the road to face the Tampa Bay Rays (57-31) at Tropicana Field on Wednesday. The Phillies took Tuesday’s series opener 3-1.

Aaron Nola went 7.1 innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out 12, to get the win, and Craig Kimbrel picked up his 13th save with a scoreless ninth.

Bryce Harper was 2 for 4 with a double, one run, and one RBI in the win. Wander Franco went 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Rays.

ON THE MOUND

Taijuan Walker (9-3, 3.93 ERA) is in line to start for Philadelphia. The right-hander is tied for fourth in the NL in wins. Walker allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 3-1 road win over the Cubs on Thursday. He was credited with the win, giving up six hits while striking out six and walking one.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged 6.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.5, thanks in part to greater slugging (.486 vs .423). Tampa Bay is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.6 for the season.

The Rays have a .792 OPS against righties in 2023, the second highest in the league. With a .968 OPS over 177 at-bats, Luke Raley has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Philadelphia is on a 10-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 23-23 in 2023. The Phils have scored 4.5 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.9 runs.

Tampa Bay has gone 34-11 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 5.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.7. In the last 10 games between the teams at Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.6-4.0.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Rays lead the AL East by six games over the Orioles. The Phillies are third in the NL East, 12 games behind the Braves.

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