Athletics vs Tampa Bay Rays Pick – 7/1/2025
As the Athletics visit Tampa Bay on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, both teams enter this midweek showdown with something to prove. The A’s, at 35–52, are struggling, while the Rays, at 47–38, have held firm in the AL East race. With Jeffrey Springs (6–6, 4.30 ERA) taking the hill for Oakland and Tampa Bay countering with Shane Baz (8–3, 4.37 ERA), tonight could be a lopsided affair. Here, I make my Athletics vs Rays prediction in the betting markets.
Our Athletics vs Rays Pick
Pick: Rays -1.5
Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Athletics vs Rays
- Date & Time: Tuesday, July 1, at 7:05 PM ET
- Starting Pitchers: Jeffrey Springs (OAK) vs Shane Baz (TB)
- Stadium: George M. Steinbrenner Field
- Broadcast: FDSSUN and NBCS‑CA
| Moneyline | Runline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Rays −163 / Athletics +133 | Rays −1.5 (+129) / A’s +1.5 (−158) | 8.5 |
Key Storylines
Pitching form
Shane Baz has been steady, putting together eight straight starts with at least five innings and collecting six quality starts in 16 outings. His strikeout rate sits at 8.54 per nine innings. Jeffrey Springs has eight quality starts this season, averaging 5.4 innings per appearance, and has worked deeper into games recently, allowing only 12 earned runs in 31 June innings.
Bullpen usage
Both starters are expected to go deep, with Tampa Bay’s bullpen getting a break. The Rays have a relief crew that’s allowed runs in just 3 of their last 10 innings. Oakland’s pen will be leaned heavily on after Springs exits and their relievers have struggled, posting a 5.38 staff ERA on the season.
Recent team streaks
- Rays are 6–4 in their last 10 games.
- A’s have 4 wins in their last 10 as underdogs.
Best Player Props
| Player | Prop | Line & Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Aranda | Total Bases >1.5 | +135 |
| Curtis Mead | Total Bases >1.5 | +140 |
| Yandy Diaz | Hits >1.5 | +145 |
| Junior Caminero | Hits >1.5 | +180 |
| Jeffrey Springs | K’s >5.5 | +110 |
Betting Trends & H2H
- Rays are 4–3 SU as −167 favorite or more and have hit the over in 6 of last 10 games.
- vs RHP: Rays hit .259/.324/.409, A’s hit .248/.317/.407.
Athletics vs Rays Model Projection
- Score Projection: Rays 5 – Athletics 3
- Win Probability: Rays 62%, Athletics 38%
Final Thoughts
This game features two reliable starters in form. However, Tampa Bay’s offense, anchored by Jonathan Aranda (.327 average) and Junior Caminero (21 HR, 53 RBI), holds the edge over Oakland’s inconsistent lineup. Baz’s command and Tampa’s bullpen depth make the Rays runline a compelling angle for me. Expect Tampa Bay to secure a multi-run victory tonight, while prop bets like Aranda’s and Caminero’s hits provide value in this one.
