The Tampa Bay Rays are set to play the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 2:20 PM. The Rays enter with a record of 72-75 and currently sit fourth in the AL East. Despite winning four of their last ten games, they are on a three-game losing streak.
The Chicago Cubs, on the other hand, hold an 84-63 record, placing them second in the NL Central. They have been in good form recently, winning six of their last ten games and are on a three-game winning streak. The Cubs will have the advantage of playing at home, where they have a strong 45-28 record this season.
Fans tuning in on MARQ can expect a game played under mild weather conditions, with light rain and a breeze blowing in. The game odds currently favor the Cubs with a moneyline of -119 against the Rays’ +100. With both teams keen to maintain their recent form, this matchup promises to be intriguing.
Cubs vs Rays At a Glance
- Game Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL — Outdoor Field
- Current Streaks: Rays L3, Cubs W3
- Weather Conditions: Mild day with a light breeze and ‘Light Rain’
- Game Odds: Rays +100, Cubs -119
- Division Standings: Rays 4th in AL East, Cubs 2nd in NL Central
- Broadcast Information: TV Channel: MARQ
Cubs Ready to Host Rays in Key Matchup
Rays Offensive Overview
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to challenge the Cubs with their offensive lineup, which has been a driving force for the team this season. Their batting lineup has shown consistency, contributing significantly to their current standing. This game will test their ability to maintain that momentum against a resilient Cubs defense.
The Rays have maintained a steady .249 batting average, ranking 9th in the league, showcasing their solid contact hitting. With 197 home runs, they rank 8th, indicating a balance between power and contact. Additionally, their slugging percentage of .426 places them in the top 5, a testament to their offensive potency.
Key Rays Players to Watch
Key players to watch include their power hitters, who have been crucial in driving the team’s offense. Their ability to hit home runs and drive in runs will be pivotal in this game. These players will need to continue their impressive form to challenge the Cubs’ pitching staff.
With 241 doubles, the Rays rank 10th, highlighting their extra-base hitting ability. This aspect of their game will be crucial as they aim to put pressure on the Cubs’ defense. The combination of power and speed will be a significant factor in their offensive strategy.
Rays Pitching Staff
Drew Rasmussen will be starting for the Rays, bringing a strong 2.64 ERA and a WHIP of 0.98. His record of 10-5 reflects his ability to control games and limit opponents’ scoring opportunities. Rasmussen’s consistency on the mound will be key in countering the Cubs’ offense.
The Rays’ pitching staff has given up 180 home runs, ranking 20th, which could be a vulnerability against the Cubs’ hitters. However, their overall earned run average of 3.87 places them 10th, showing their capability to manage games effectively.
Rays Team Strategy
The Rays’ strategy will likely involve leveraging their balanced offense and solid pitching. They will need to capitalize on any scoring opportunities while maintaining pressure on the Cubs’ pitchers. Their approach at the plate, combined with disciplined pitching, will be central to their game plan.
With a strong focus on extra-base hits and a disciplined approach on the mound, the Rays will aim to outmaneuver the Cubs. Their ability to execute these strategies could determine the outcome of this crucial matchup.
Rays Betting Trends
- Straight Up as Underdog: 17-23 (42.5%)
- Runline All Games: 67-80 (45.6%)
- O/U in Away Games: 34-40 (45.9%)
- SU vs Division Opponents: 35-25 (58.3%)
Tampa Bay Rays: Gearing Up for a Crucial Showdown with the Cubs
Team Overview
The Tampa Bay Rays have been struggling to find consistency as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Chicago Cubs. Currently holding a 72-75 record, the Rays are in need of wins to boost their standing. Their recent performance has been shaky, with a 1-4 record in their last five games.
Offensively, the Rays are ranked 7th in batting average at .251 and 10th in slugging percentage with .402. However, their on-base percentage of .312 ranks only 17th, indicating a potential area for improvement in getting runners on base.
Key Players
Junior Caminero stands out as a powerhouse in the lineup, leading the team with 42 home runs and 106 RBIs. His batting average of .259, coupled with a slugging percentage of .534, makes him a significant threat at the plate.
Yandy Díaz, with a .290 batting average, contributes significantly to the Rays’ offense. His ability to get on base with a .349 OBP, along with 23 home runs, provides a solid foundation for the team’s batting lineup.
Pitching Strengths
The Rays’ pitching staff holds a respectable ERA of 3.90, ranked 12th in the league. They have been effective in keeping opponents’ batting average to .236, placing them 6th in this category.
Despite giving up 188 home runs, their 57 quality starts show the ability of their starters to keep the team competitive in games. Drew Rasmussen, the scheduled starter for this game, has been a key figure with a 2.64 ERA and a 10-5 win-loss record.
Recent Game Performance
The Rays faced the Chicago Cubs recently, where they struggled defensively, allowing 12 hits and losing 6-4. Shane Baz, the starting pitcher, had a rough outing, giving up 5 earned runs in just over two innings.
In their game against the Chicago White Sox, the Rays’ bats were largely silent, managing only 7 hits and no extra-base hits in a 5-1 loss. These recent results highlight the challenges the Rays have been facing in maintaining offensive momentum.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 72-75 (49.0%)
- Runline Last 5: 0-5 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
Cubs vs Rays Prediction: Cubs -119
The Chicago Cubs enter the game with an impressive home record of 45-28 and are riding a three-game winning streak. Their recent performances, including a 6-4 victory over the Rays, demonstrate their current form. Playing at Wrigley Field, where they have shown great resilience, makes them a formidable opponent for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Despite Drew Rasmussen’s strong season stats, the Rays are struggling with a three-game losing streak and a 34-39 road record. The Cubs’ pitcher Colin Rea, although having a higher ERA, has the backing of a robust bullpen that has been effective recently. This gives the Cubs a slight edge in securing another win.
The Cubs also have a slight advantage in offensive categories, with higher rankings in on-base and slugging percentages. Ian Happ’s recent hot streak, including a pivotal performance in the previous game, adds to the Cubs’ offensive strength. Additionally, the Cubs’ ability to leverage key hits with runners in scoring position could be decisive.
With the Cubs at -119 on the moneyline, the value lies in picking them to win. The Cubs are well-positioned to capitalize on their current form and home advantage, forecasting a tight victory over the Rays.
- Cubs vs Rays Prediction: Cubs -119
- Cubs vs Rays Score: Cubs 5 – Rays 3
