Red Sox vs. Rays Game 2 Prediction
With Chris Sale on the hill for Game 2, will the Red Sox even their series with the Rays? Or is Tampa the better bet to take a 2-0 lead in the ALDS when these division rivals meet again at 7:02 p.m. ET on Friday?
Game Snapshot
917 Boston Red Sox (+115) at 918 Tampa Bay Rays (-135); o/u 7.5
7:02 p.m. ET, Friday, October 8, 2021
Tropicana Field, Tampa, FL
Boston Red Sox DFS SPIN
Alex Cora told reporters after Game 1 of the ALDS on Friday that there’s a “strong possibility” that J.D. Martinez plays on Friday in Game 2 against the Rays. Martinez was not in the lineup for Game 1 after being placed on the roster for the series against Tampa Bay, and he’s still dealing with significant swelling in his left ankle from his injury on Sunday against the Nationals. It’d be a big return for Boston, and based on what the offense showed — or didn’t show — against the Rays on Thursday, he’s necessary. There’s no guarantee Martinez goes, but it does seem likely he’s back for the contest.
Tampa Bay Rays DFS Spin
Randy Arozarena homered, walked twice and scored three times as the Rays blanked the Red Sox 5-0 in Game 1 of the ALDS. Arozarena scored on a Wander Franco double in the first, homered off Nick Pivetta in the fifth and was able to swipe home for the final run of the game in the seventh. The homer was Arozarena’s 11th in his last 19 postseason games. Game 2 will be played Friday night, with Chris Sale and Shane Baz due to start.
Red Sox vs. Rays Betting Prediction
The Red Sox are now 2-8 in their last 10 games at Tropicana Field and are 4-12 in their last 16 games versus the Rays overall. Boston is also 3-8 in its last 11 Divisional Playoff road games, is 5-15 in its last 20 games as an underdog and is 4-13 in its last 17 games as a road dog. The Rays, meanwhile, are 5-0 in their last five games versus a left-handed starter, are 5-1 in their last six divisional postseason home games and are 5-1 in their last six home games versus a southpaw.
MLB BETTING PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY RAYS -135