Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays Predictions

Pitching questions shape the wager

Griffin Jax is slated to start for Tampa Bay, while Boston had not announced its starter, according to WRAL / Associated Press, an AP report carried by the North Carolina broadcaster. The right-hander is 7-10 with a 3.80 ERA. SPF lists the Rays at -150 and the Red Sox at +124, but knowing only one starter doesn't establish a pitching advantage worth backing.

Boston closer Aroldis Chapman missed September 19 with lat tightness, the report said. His availability for the finale remains unconfirmed. Another absence would remove a late-inning option for Boston, but it can't be assumed when assessing Sunday's matchup.

The Rays won the previous game 2-1. That result alone doesn't support Tampa Bay's -1.5 run line or an under bet on SPF's 8.5 total, priced at -118 versus -102 for the over. Pass on this matchup; there's no supported score projection or independent winner pick.