Updated September 9, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves continue their three-game series on Wednesday, September 9, with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m. ET at Truist Park. Tampa Bay took the opener in convincing fashion, winning 7-1 in a matchup between two first-place teams.
Griffin Jax (6-10, 3.82 ERA) gets the start for Tampa Bay, while Reynaldo López (4-3, 3.64 ERA) is expected to return from the injured list and start for Atlanta. In this preview, I’ll share my Rays vs Braves prediction and break down some of the biggest storylines surrounding Game 2.
Why Our Model Sees Value:
“I’m going with the under 8.5 here. I think there’s some value on the under with Jax in a good bounce-back spot and López pitching well before his injury. After Tampa Bay put up seven runs last night, I’m expecting a much tighter game this time around.”
A 4% edge in our projections
Polymarket currently has Under 8.5 at 54 cents, giving it a 54% implied probability. Our model puts the under at 58%, giving us a 4% edge at the current price. It also projects a 4-3 Braves win, which would put us comfortably below the total.
A bounce-back spot for Jax
Jax is coming off one of his worst starts of the season, giving up seven hits, two walks, and six runs over just 2.2 innings against the Mets last Wednesday. Only three of those runs were earned, though, and I like his chances to bounce back here. López was also pitching pretty well before his injury, allowing one earned run or fewer in three of his five July starts. He’ll face a Rays lineup that hasn’t been quite as dangerous away from home, with its OPS dropping from .755 at home to .715 on the road.
Recommended Prediction:
Under 8.5
Current Market Price:
54¢
Model Win Probability:
58%
Market-Implied Probability:
54%
Model Edge:
4%
Buy Up To:
57¢
Model Trade Confidence:
66/100
Griffin Jax has had a decent second season with the Rays, going 6-10 with a 3.82 ERA, 101 strikeouts, and a 1.27 WHIP. Overall, he’s been pretty reliable for Tampa Bay, but his first start back from the injured list last week certainly didn’t go as planned.
Jax had been out since early August with right elbow discomfort before returning against the Mets last Wednesday. He was hit hard in a 10-4 loss, giving up six runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks over just 2.2 innings. It was his lowest Game Score (25) of the season and easily one of his roughest outings of the year.
He’ll look to get back on track Wednesday against a Braves offense that has been pretty quiet lately. Atlanta has been held to two runs or fewer in three of its last four games, including just one run in Tuesday’s series opener, and its 102 wRC+ against right-handed pitching this season puts the Braves right around league average.
While Atlanta’s offense has cooled off lately, Tampa Bay has been swinging the bat really well. The Rays have scored at least six runs in four straight games, including seven in Tuesday’s series opener, and they’re led by Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz. Caminero is batting .282 with 39 home runs, 93 RBIs, and a .905 OPS, while Díaz is hitting .306 with 22 homers, 79 RBIs, and an .846 OPS.
The Rays have been one of baseball’s better offensive teams all season. They lead MLB with a .261 team batting average and also rank inside the top 10 in several other major offensive statistical categories, including OPS, hits, and stolen bases.
They’ve been especially dangerous against right-handed pitching, which could make López’s return a little more difficult. Tampa Bay is tied for third in MLB with a 110 wRC+ against righties, trailing only the Cubs and Brewers. They showed off that offense again Tuesday night, hitting four home runs in the 7-1 win.
The good news for Atlanta is that it gets to play this one at home. The Braves are 48-25 at Truist Park this season compared to 37-35 on the road, and they’ve posted a +72 run differential at home versus +41 away from Atlanta.
The difference has been especially noticeable at the plate. Atlanta is batting .258 with a .750 OPS at home, compared to a .236 average and .689 OPS on the road. Those numbers are one reason I’m a little cautious about the under despite our model finding some value there.
This is still a bit of a tricky scheduling spot for the Braves, though. This three-game series against Tampa Bay is sandwiched between four games in Philadelphia and another three against the Phillies at Truist Park. Atlanta (85-60) holds a four-game lead over Philadelphia (81-64) in the NL East, putting even more importance on those head-to-head matchups.
That doesn’t make this Rays series any less important, especially with Tampa Bay in a tight division race of its own as it tries to hold off a Yankees team that’s getting healthier down the stretch.
Looking for more baseball content? Check out our daily MLB predictions for more game previews, analysis, and free picks throughout the rest of the season.
