The Tampa Bay Rays will travel to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs in an afternoon game on September 12, 2025. The Rays, holding a record of 72-74, are currently 4th in the AL East division and have lost their last two games. Meanwhile, the Cubs have an 83-63 record, placing them 2nd in the NL Central, and they are riding a two-game winning streak.
Under the guidance of manager Kevin Cash, the Rays will aim to break their recent skid and improve their 34-38 road record. On the other hand, the Cubs, led by Craig Counsell, have demonstrated strength at home with a 44-28 record, making Wrigley Field a challenging venue for visiting teams. The Cubs’ recent form of two consecutive wins will provide them with confidence as they host the Rays.
The game is scheduled for a 2:20 PM start and will be broadcast on FDSSU, with weather conditions expected to be overcast and mild. The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -170, while the Rays are at +144. Both teams enter with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games, setting the stage for an intriguing contest at Wrigley Field.
Cubs vs Rays At a Glance
- Game Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL — Outdoor Field
- Weather Forecast: Mild day with a light breeze, and conditions described as ‘Overcast Clouds’.
- Chicago Cubs Record: 83-63, Division Rank: 2
- Tampa Bay Rays Record: 72-74, Division Rank: 4
- Game Odds: Cubs Moneyline -170, Rays Moneyline +144
- TV Broadcast: FDSSU
Cubs Set to Continue Strong Run Against Rays
Rays’ Offensive Overview
The Tampa Bay Rays are gearing up for a challenging game against the Chicago Cubs. With a batting average of .248, they rank 9th in the league. Their on-base percentage stands at .319, placing them 8th, which shows they have a capable offense ready to compete.
Their slugging percentage of .425 is 7th in the league, indicating the potential for powerful hitting. The Rays have hit 196 home runs this season, ranking 6th. This power at the plate will be essential as they look to take on the Cubs’ pitching.
Key Players to Watch
Shane Baz will be taking the mound for the Rays. With an ERA of 4.94 and a WHIP of 1.33, Baz has a challenging task ahead against the Cubs’ lineup. His record of 9-11 suggests inconsistency, which the Cubs may exploit.
Offensively, the Rays will rely heavily on their top performers to make an impact. Their strategy will be to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Cubs’ pitching, especially considering the recent injuries affecting the Cubs’ roster.
Pitching Strategy
Despite their power, the Rays have struggled with 179 home runs allowed, ranking them 21st in that category. Their pitching staff has recorded 57 quality starts, which is 8th in the league, showing some consistency in keeping games close.
With 17 blown saves, the Rays have shown vulnerability late in games. This could be a critical factor if the game is tight, as the Cubs have a strong bullpen that can lock down a lead.
Rays’ Defensive Challenges
The Rays’ defensive performance, reflected in a batting average against of .241, ranks 9th in the league. This suggests that while their defense is solid, there is room for improvement to support their pitching staff more effectively.
Their defense will need to be on high alert against the Cubs, who are known for aggressive base running and stealing bases, which could create additional pressure on the Rays’ pitchers.
Team Betting Trends
- The Rays have struggled as underdogs, with a straight-up record that reflects their challenges in high-pressure games.
- Their runline performance indicates they often keep games close but fail to cover the spread consistently.
- Their over/under trends suggest games often go under, indicating strong pitching but inconsistent offense.
The upcoming game against the Cubs is crucial for the Rays as they look to solidify their position. Key performances from their pitchers and hitters will be essential in overcoming the Cubs’ recent momentum.
Tampa Bay Rays Aim to Rebound Against Cubs in Chicago Showdown
Team Overview
The Chicago Cubs head into this matchup with a solid pitching backbone, led by Matthew Boyd. Boyd boasts an impressive ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.06, which will be pivotal in their attempt to suppress the Rays’ offense. His record stands at 12-8, reflecting his ability to support his team’s win column effectively.
Offensively, the Cubs will rely on a balanced approach to counter the Rays’ pitching lineup. Their season so far has shown their capability to adapt to different pitching styles, which will be crucial against the Rays’ Shane Baz.
Key Players to Watch
Matthew Boyd is undoubtedly a key player for the Cubs, with his low ERA and WHIP underscoring his dominance on the mound. He will aim to continue his strong performances and provide the Cubs with a solid start.
On the offensive front, the Cubs will look to their versatile lineup to generate runs. Consistent contributions from various players have been the hallmark of their success, making it difficult for opponents to focus on shutting down a single threat.
Pitching Strategy
With Shane Baz starting for the Rays, the Cubs will need to be strategic in their approach at the plate. Baz’s ERA of 4.94 might appear favorable for the Cubs, but his potential to strike out batters remains a significant threat.
The Cubs’ strategy will likely involve aggressive base running and a focus on exploiting any lapses in Baz’s command, which could be pivotal in gaining an early advantage.
Recent Performance
The Cubs have maintained a steady form with Boyd on the mound, reflecting in their overall success in games he starts. This consistency will be crucial as they aim to leverage their home-field advantage at Wrigley Field.
In contrast, the Rays have shown vulnerability in recent games, which the Cubs will aim to exploit. By capitalizing on the Rays’ recent struggles, the Cubs can build momentum early in the game.
Betting Trends
- SU as Favorite: 55.8%
- SU in Away Games: 47.2%
- Runline as Underdog: 52.2%
- Runline in Away Games: 50.0%
- O/U as Underdog: 46.4%
Cubs vs Rays Prediction: Under 7.5
The upcoming game between the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays presents a compelling case for betting on the under. The Cubs have shown a tendency to stay under the total, with a 67-79 record on the O/U for the season. Additionally, with the total set at 7.5, the Cubs’ recent form at home suggests they may continue this trend, as they are 33-39 in O/U in home games this season.
Considering the pitching matchup, Matthew Boyd, the Cubs’ starter, boasts an impressive home record of 10-1 with a 2.16 ERA, indicating his effectiveness at Wrigley Field. The Rays’ Shane Baz has struggled lately, but the Cubs’ offense has been inconsistent, especially with runners in scoring position. This could keep the scoring in check.
The head-to-head history between these teams also supports the under, with their previous three meetings all going under the total. Furthermore, the Cubs’ offensive strategy heavily relies on stolen bases, which may not significantly impact the total runs scored in this context.
Projecting a low-scoring affair, the final score could resemble something like Cubs 3 – Rays 2, aligning with the under 7.5 pick. The overcast weather conditions might also contribute to a more pitching-friendly environment, further justifying the under prediction.
- Cubs vs Rays Prediction: Under 7.5
- Cubs vs Rays Score: Cubs 3 – Rays 2
