MLB Report (Friday, June 24)

RAYS at ASTROS (+1.5 runline, -140) – 8:05 pm ET #966

Not an official play, but I would rate the Astros run line as a light lean tonight.

Houston returns home on a high note after taking a late inning victory against the Rangers in Arlington. Now they'll host a Tampa Bay team that just took a series in Milwaukee from the Brewers. Wandy Rodriguez has not given up a run since coming off the disabled list. The lefty has given up just nine hits and five walks over the 12 innings he has pitched. He's 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his last three starts giving up just 2 runs and 15 hits over 18 innings of work. Traditionally, he's a better pitcher at home where he's 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA. Rodriguez gave up 3 runs and six hits over six innings pitched to the Rays last year in Houston. BJ Upton (0-3) and Evan Longoria (1-5) struggle with Rodriguez. The Rays are hitting .231 against left-handed pitching and .223 over their last seven games. Tampa Bay's offense has struggled to the tune of a .219 average against the National League yet they are 6-3.

James Shields has pitched great for the Rays. He's 7-4 with a 2.40 ERA on the season and he’s coming into this game on a bit of a roll after shutting down the Marlins and Red Sox at home. Jason Michaels (0-5) and Carlos Lee (2-2) are the only two hitters who have faced Shields. They also figure to have Hunter Pence back in the lineup after being out due to injury. Houston returns home where they are hitting .266 as a team. They have enjoyed interleague play as well by hitting .278 while going 3-3 in the process. The Rays’ bullpen is 3-6 with a 4.34 ERA on the road so they are hittable. We expect the Astros keep this game close so we’ll take them on the run line against the Rays tonight.