MLB Best Bets Today – Tigers vs. Rays – May 17, 2022

Tigers vs. Rays Pick: Rays to Score First | -155 at FanDuel Sportsbook

6:40 p.m. ET

We are back again with another “Best Bet” play. We cashed in on our NRFI from yesterday and looking for the same result today. Today, we are targeting the “Team to Score First” betting market, and more specifically the Tampa Bay Rays. Stud pitcher McClanahan (2.56 ERA)  will be on the mound for Tampa today against Beau Brieske (3.86 ERA). As noted in yesterday’s article, the Detroit Tigers have not scored in the first inning in 23 games straight.

Although this is not a first inning bet, it’s an encouraging sign to know the opposing team struggles early in the game. The Rays have scored first in back to back starts for McClanahan. Opposing pitcher Brieske, has given up five total runs in two starts this season. All five of those runs have come within the first 2 innings of the game.

The Rays rank 13th in runs per game, while the Tigers rank 30th in runs per game. McClanahan gets a great matchup with DET, as he is actually a reverse splits pitcher. This means that as a left hander, he is seeing better results against right handed batters. (40% K rate to RHB). The Tigers do not have a “true” lefty in their lineup with Meadows injured.

All batters for Detroit are either right handed or a switch hitter, meaning all nine batters McClanahan will face will be on the right side. There are various factors listed pointing towards the Rays scoring first tonight. Let’s lock this one in and enjoy the show!