The Tampa Bay Rays, managed by Kevin Cash, head to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs. The Rays hold a 73-75 record and are fourth in the AL East. Their recent form shows a 4-6 record over the last ten games, coming off a narrow 5-4 victory against the Cubs.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs, under the guidance of manager Craig Counsell, are sitting second in the NL Central with an 84-64 record. They have split their last ten games at 5-5. Following a 5-4 loss to the Rays, they aim to capitalize on their impressive 45-29 home record.
Set for a 2:20 PM start on September 14, 2025, the game will be played under clear skies with a light breeze in Chicago. The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -164, while the Rays are at +140. Both teams will look to improve their standing in this Sunday afternoon game broadcast on FDSSU.
Cubs vs Rays At a Glance
- Game Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL, hosting the game with outdoor conditions.
- Broadcast: The game will be televised on FDSSU.
- Weather: A clear sky with mild temperatures and a light breeze crosswind.
- Current Odds: The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -164, while the Rays are at +140.
- Standings Snapshot: The Cubs hold a record of 84-64, ranked 2nd in the NL Central.
- Rays’ Record: Tampa Bay enters with a record of 73-75, sitting 4th in the AL East.
Chicago Cubs Set to Host Tampa Bay Rays in Pivotal Game
Rays’ Offensive Analysis
The Tampa Bay Rays have maintained a competitive edge with a strong batting lineup. This season, they have managed a batting average of .248, which ranks 10th overall, coupled with an on-base percentage of .320, ranking 9th. Their slugging percentage stands out at .426, placing them 5th in the league.
Home run power has been a crucial part of the Rays’ offense, as they have hit 199 homers, ranking 8th. Additionally, they’ve accumulated 243 doubles, showcasing their ability to hit for extra bases consistently. The team has also demonstrated patience at the plate with 510 walks, which is the 5th highest in the league.
Key Players to Watch
Adrian Houser will take the mound for the Rays, bringing a solid ERA of 3.11 and a WHIP of 1.26. His record of 8-4 suggests he has been effective in limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. Houser’s ability to control the game will be crucial against the Cubs’ lineup.
On the offensive side, the Rays rely on their power hitters to deliver. Their lineup includes several players capable of changing the game with one swing, contributing to their high home run and slugging statistics. Their balanced approach between power and patience could be pivotal in this game.
Rays’ Pitching Insights
The Rays’ pitching staff has posted an earned run average of 3.87, ranking 11th overall, which demonstrates their ability to keep games within reach. Their batting average against is .241, indicating their proficiency in limiting opponent hits.
One area of concern could be their propensity to give up home runs, as they have surrendered 182 this season, ranking 17th. However, they have delivered 57 quality starts, placing them 7th, showing their starters can provide depth in games.
Team Betting Trends
- Last 3 Games SU: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Last 5 Games SU: 3-2 (60.0%)
- Last 10 Games SU: 5-5 (50.0%)
- Overall SU Record: 84-64 (56.8%)
- SU as Favorite: 67-40 (62.6%)
- SU as Underdog: 17-24 (41.5%)
- SU in Night Games: 47-31 (60.3%)
- SU in Day Games: 37-33 (52.9%)
Tampa Bay Rays Ready to Shine Against Cubs
Team Overview
The Chicago Cubs enter this matchup with a balanced offensive approach, maintaining a .252 batting average, which ranks them sixth in the league. They have an impressive home run count of 169, placing them 14th in this category. Their ability to capitalize on extra-base hits will be crucial against the Rays’ pitching staff.
Defensively, the Cubs hold a .235 batting average against, ranking them fifth and demonstrating their capacity to limit opposing hitters. This is complemented by their 57 quality starts, placing them seventh, indicating their starters’ ability to keep games competitive.
Key Players to Watch
Leading the Cubs’ offense is a group of consistent performers, each contributing significantly to their home run and RBI totals. Their lineup showcases depth, with players capable of hitting for both power and average. This versatility will be pivotal in their efforts to outscore the Rays.
On the mound, Shota Imanaga stands out with a 3.21 ERA and a WHIP of 0.93, underscoring his efficiency and command. His performance will be vital as the Cubs look to suppress the Rays’ offensive threats.
Team Strategy
The Cubs’ approach this season has been to focus on consistent offensive production and solid starting pitching. Their ranking in home runs suggests a strategy of power hitting, which they will likely rely on against the Rays. Defensively, maintaining their low batting average against will be critical to their success in this game.
Their pitching staff will need to be at its best to navigate a Rays lineup that features several power hitters. Limiting base runners and minimizing damage in high-leverage situations will be key to the Cubs’ game plan.
Team Betting Trends
- SU in Away Games: 35-39 (47.3%)
- Runline in Away Games: 36-38 (48.6%)
- O/U in Away Games: 33-41 (44.6%)
The Cubs have shown resilience in away games, though their performance has been just below .500 in these situations. Their ability to cover the runline and hit the over on totals will be tested against the Rays’ competitive roster.
Cubs vs Rays Prediction: Cubs -164
The Chicago Cubs, currently sitting second in the NL Central with an 84-64 record, have been a solid team at home, boasting a 45-29 record at Wrigley Field. They have shown resilience after losses, with a 68.3% win rate, which suggests they are well-positioned to recover from their recent 5-4 loss to the Rays. With Shota Imanaga starting, the Cubs have a capable pitcher on the mound who can keep the Rays’ bats in check.
The Tampa Bay Rays have struggled on the road this season with a 35-39 record and come into this game with an overall record of 73-75. While Adrian Houser has posted impressive numbers, the Rays have struggled to capitalize on his starts, suggesting they may have difficulties against a competitive Cubs team. Furthermore, the Rays’ recent form of 4-6 in the last ten games highlights their inconsistent performance.
Betting odds favor the Cubs at -164, reflecting their better standing and home performance. The Cubs have outscored the Rays by an average of 0.5 runs in head-to-head games this season, which could give them a slight edge in this contest. Their recent struggle with runners in scoring position will likely not deter their home advantage, making them a strong pick.
Given the Cubs’ ability to bounce back and their stronger home record, the prediction leans towards a Cubs victory. Expect a competitive game with the Cubs taking it 4-3, supported by a solid pitching performance from Imanaga and timely hitting from their lineup.
- Cubs vs Rays Prediction: Cubs -164
- Cubs vs Rays Score: Cubs 4 – Rays 3
