The Atlanta Braves are in Tampa Bay this week to take on the Rays, and things didn’t go well for Atlanta in the season opener. Tampa Bay cruised to a 14-5 victory in the series opener and will be looking to win their second straight game.
Atlanta is just 2-2 so far this season, and they have not looked like the team that won the National League East a season ago. The Braves are a popular pick to win the World Series this year, but they do have several issues.
Tampa Bay is 3-1 so far this season, and they have looked very impressive. The Rays are in a tough AL East, but they should be able to factor into the mix this season.
FanDuel Sportsbook has the Tampa Bay Rays at -130 over the Atlanta Braves in game two of the series on Tuesday night.
Rays Finding Plenty of Offense
The Tampa Bay Rays scored 14 runs in the season opener, and they blasted five home runs in that win as well. This lineup won’t have a ton of All-Stars, but they have proven that they have a lineup capable of having some huge games.
Hunter Renfroe hit a pair of home runs in the win on Monday night, and the Rays put up eight runs in the fourth inning of that game. Even though Tampa Bay will be facing a much tougher pitcher on Tuesday night, look for them to once again have a solid night at the plate.
Yonny Chirinos will make the start for the Tampa Bay Rays in this game, but he might not be in there for long. Chirinos got a late start to summer camp after being diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this year.
Tampa Bay does have a ton of terrific arms in their bullpen, and they should be able to cover a lot of innings in this game.
Braves Running Out of Pitching Options
The Atlanta Braves were expected to have up to six reliable starting pitching options heading into the season, but now they are down to just two healthy options. The Braves won the NL East on the strength of their starting pitching a season ago, but that won’t be the case in 2020.
Right-hander Kyle Wright will take the ball for Atlanta on Tuesday night, and he will be counted on in a big way this season. Wright made just four starts a season ago, but the Braves believe that their prized prospect can become a mainstay in the starting rotation.
Scoring runs has not been a problem for the Atlanta Braves so far this season, but they have not been able to consistently bail out their starting pitching. The Braves have already belted eight home runs this season, and they have many stars in that lineup.
Dansby Swanson is hitting .400 through the first four games of the season, and Ronald Acuna is always a threat to leave the ballpark. Look for the Braves to have another solid night on offense in this game.
Rays Win Game Two of Series
The Atlanta Braves will likely turn things around at some point this season, but they face an excellent team in this series. Atlanta doesn’t have enough good starting pitchers at this point of the season, and their offense can’t always bail them out.
Tampa Bay might not have a ton of big names in their everyday lineup, but this team knows how to win. The Rays can score on offense, and that trend will likely continue in this game.
Head to FanDuel Sportsbook and bet the Tampa Bay Rays -130 over the Atlanta Braves in game two of the series.
