Rays vs. Rangers (May 30): Rasmussen to finish fantastic month with fifth win?

It has been a successful month for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen, who is making a push for potential MLB All-Star consideration in his first full season as a starter.

Tonight, the 26-year-old righty will look to close out an undefeated May with a win over the Texas Rangers in the opener of a four-game series in Arlington.

In five May starts, Rasmussen is 4-0 with a 2.10 ERA, and he has won both of his road starts this month. Tampa Bay will be in for a challenge tonight against the Rangers, who are back home after taking three of four in Oakland and have already wrapped up a winning month.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Rays (28-19, 11-8 road, 2nd in the AL East) vs. Texas Rangers (22-24, 10-12 home, 3rd in the AL West)
• Venue & Location: Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas)
• Date: Monday, May 30, 2022
• Time: 8:05 p.m. Eastern Time (7:05 p.m. local time)
• How to Watch Today's Rays vs. Rangers Game: Bally Sports Sun (Rays), Bally Sports Southwest (Rangers), MLB Extra Innings (subscription package)

Rays vs. Rangers Pitching Matchup

• Tampa Bay Rays: Drew Rasmussen (2022: 8 starts, 5-1, 2.68 ERA)
• Texas Rangers: Glenn Otto (2022: 6 starts, 2-2, 4.91 ERA)

Rays vs. Rangers Odds

Odds are via BetOnline. Odds from our other top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks may also be included in this article.

Moneyline

• Tampa Bay Rays -144
• Texas Rangers +122

Over/Under

• OVER 8 (-110)
• UNDER 8 (-110)

Run Line

• Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+120)
• Texas Rangers +1.5 (-144)

Can Improving Otto, Rangers Shut Down Tampa Bay?

In Rasmussen's previous start, he picked up the win despite tying a season-high in runs allowed. On Wednesday against the Miami Marlins, he allowed three runs, six hits, and two walks, but he struck out seven and got solid run support as Tampa Bay edged Miami 5-4.

In 19 regular season starts with the Rays, Rasmussen has allowed two or more runs only six times. And in the 12 starts in which he has pitched at least five innings, he has allowed three or more runs only three times. In 11 road starts, he is 5-1 with a 2.49 ERA, with only 13 earned runs allowed in 47 innings.

His opposite number tonight is coming off of a couple of solid starts. After allowing eight runs, eight hits, and four walks in a home loss to the Boston Red Sox on May 14, Otto has been pretty sharp in a quality start in a loss at Houston and a road win over the Angels.

Against the Angels this past Wednesday, he allowed one run, three hits, and two walks and struck out seven in five innings of a 7-2 win.

Other than that bad start against Boston, Otto has overall been solid this season. In the other five starts, he has a 2.84 ERA.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Prediction and Best Bets

Rays vs. Rangers Prediction: Rays to win

Rays vs. Rangers Best Bets: Rays ML (-144 at BetOnline) & UNDER 8 (+100 at Bovada Sportsbook)

Tampa Bay is eighth in MLB in runs per game on the road, averaging 4.95 runs per game, while Texas is 15th in runs per game at home, averaging 4.36 runs per game.

However, with Rasmussen and Otto both pitching well at the moment, the under is great value, and so do the visitors with Rasmussen on the mound.

Other MLB Content on Betting News for Monday, May 30

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