The Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays are set to begin a three-game interleague series on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The first game features Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler against Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen, with the initial pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
The Rays enter the series following a successful weekend at Yankee Stadium, posting a 6-4 record over their last 10 contests. The Phillies also hold a 6-4 mark in their most recent 10 games and trail the New York Mets by three games in the NL East standings.
Wheeler takes the mound with a 2-1 record and a 3.48 ERA across 44 2/3 innings this season. Rasmussen holds a 1-2 record with a 2.64 ERA over 30 2/3 innings pitched. Underlying metrics indicate strong performance from both starters early in the season. Wheeler's 2.48 xERA and 2.64 xFIP are complemented by a significantly improved strikeout-to-walk rate. Rasmussen's 3.21 xERA and 3.19 xFIP also suggest effectiveness, though he has typically been limited to around five innings per start.
Tampa Bay's bullpen has provided support, recording a 2.97 ERA over 115 innings. This complements Rasmussen's tendency to exit games earlier, placing importance on the relief corps to maintain leads or keep games close.
Betting information for the Phillies vs Rays game indicates an initial total of 8 runs. Odds via BetMGM show the Phillies favored on the moneyline. Analysis suggests the under 8 run total holds value.
The Phillies have performed well offensively against right-handed pitching this season, maintaining a consistent output compared to last year. The team comes into the series at full health with no position players on the injured list.
Despite dealing with several injuries, including Ha-Seong Kim and Josh Lowe, the Rays offense has shown capability against righties, according to recent data. George M. Steinbrenner Field has shown signs of playing as a hitter-friendly venue so far this season. The MLB Weather forecast for game time includes warm temperatures and gentle winds blowing towards right-center field.
Pitcher statistics, including fWAR, ERA, xERA, FIP, WHIP, K-BB%, GB%, Stuff+, and Location+, will factor into the betting trends and game outcome. Both Wheeler and Rasmussen possess strong pitch metrics. Wheeler is listed among favorites for the NL Cy Young.
Considering the pitching matchup and recent performance data for both teams, betting analysts favor the under on the total run line for the opener.
