Red Sox vs. Rays prediction and odds for Wednesday, April 12 (Expect runs in AL East showdown)

Apr 9, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (36) receives
Apr 9, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (36) receives / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Tampa Bay Rays have yet to lose a baseball game this season, sitting at 11-0.

The Red Sox have dropped the first two games of their four-game series against them, but have an opportunity to finally hand the Rays a loss tonight when Tampa Bay sends out Taj Bradley for his MLB debut.

The Red Sox will hope to get a better performance from Chris Sale today, but can they rely on him?

Let's take a look at the odds for the game and then I'll give you my best bet.

Red Sox vs. Rays odds, run line, and total

Red Sox vs. Rays prediction and pick

The Red Sox may be able to pull off the upset tonight, but I'm hesitant to back them with Chris Sale on the mound.

Instead, I think the move to make is to bet on the OVER as well and root for some runs.

Sale has allowed 10 earned runs in 8.0 innings pitched this season, and his 4.80 ERA in Spring Training makes me concerned that his early season numbers may be a sign of permanent regression from the lefty.

Facing the top offense in baseball that has a team OPS of .944 isn't the ideal situation for a bounce back start.

Meanwhile, we have no idea what to expect from Taj Bradley of the Rays, who will make his MLB debut tonight. We do know that he pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless baseball in Spring Training, but he also gave up 4 earned runs in 7.0 innings in two starts at the AAA level before being called up.

The Boston offense has been solid this season, sporting a team OPS of .744. I think the Red Sox can get to him tonight.

Let's sit back and root for runs in this AL East showdown.


Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.