Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview & Prediction (August 1, 2025)
When it comes to head-to-head results, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the clear favorites to win this game, having won 15 of their last H2H clashes. It has a 62.5% winning probability, much higher than the Tampa Bay Rays’ 37.5%, but H2H results don’t tell the whole story. The Tampa Bay Rays have the young fireballer Shane Baz on their side to take on the Dodgers.
Kershaw’s return for the Dodgers is something to look out for, especially with the Dodgers surging and the Tampa Bay Rays hovering at .500. We can also expect unpredictability on the home field due to the Tampa Bay Rays’ temporary venue change.
Game Details
- Matchup: Los Angeles Dodgers (63-46) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (54-56)
- Date & Time: Friday, August 1, 7:35 pm ET/ 4:35 pm PT
- Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa Bay, FL
- How to Watch: Watch on MLB Network, FDSSUN, SportsNet LA
- Weather Forecast: 91° with intermittent clouds. Hot and humid conditions could favor offense, with warmer air aiding ball carry—especially meaningful in a hitter-friendly temporary venue.
Starting Pitching Matchup Breakdown
With Clayton Kershaw starring for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shane Baz for the Tampa Bay Rays, here’s how the two players fare:
Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers)
- The player has a 4-2 record with a 3.62 ERA and 48 Ks in 47 innings.
- He is a veteran, no doubt, but has reduced velocity, especially since this season is his first post-surgery.
- We can expect high strikeout rates, as Clayton has a rich history of dominance with high strikeout rates against teams. And the Rays strike out 24.5% of the time.
Shane Baz (Rays)
- He is a young fireballer with an 8-4 record, a 4.61 ERA, and 112 Ks in 105 innings.
- His command has improved significantly, but we must note that he is still vulnerable to home runs and left-handed bats (LHB slash .284/.345/.515).
- Despite his impressive performance, Shane has yet to face a lineup as deep as the LA Dodgers in recent times.
Offensive Trends and Team Form
When it comes to offensive trends and team form, the Los Angeles Dodgers have the edge. Here’s how their performance has been:
Los Angeles Dodgers
- The team has won 7 out of its last 10 matches and averages 5.7 runs per game in the same period.
- We also have the Ohtani heat-up post-All-Star break with his 38-dinger, 73-RBI season, which are both team highs (.342 AVG, 6 HR in last 12).
- The Dodgers are also #1 in MLB when it comes to slugging against RHP
Tampa Bay Rays
- The team has a subpar performance in its last 10 games compared to the Dodgers. It won only 4 games and lost 6, and has also been inconsistent at the plate.
- While Yandy Diaz remains a steady force for the team, the lineup remains inconsistent.
- It is also worth noting that the team has struggled to manufacture runs without the long ball, a weakness that the Dodgers may exploit.
Head-to-Head and Historical Edge
The Los Angeles Dodgers have the edge when it comes to head-to-head stats. In its last 5 meetings against the Rays, the Dodgers have won 4 times, and its bullpen has held the Tampa Bay Rays to a .211 AVG in the last 6 matchups. We also get higher runs with the Dodgers at 118 compared to the Rays’ 94 (in their previous 24 head-to-head games).
Ballpark and Environment Factors
The Steinbrenner Field (AAA-level stadium) will play host to the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tampa Bay Rays clash. It has shorter dimensions that favor home run hitters. And the expected warm and humid weather could carry the ball.
As for the crowd, we expect the crowd to be the smallest for the Dodgers in three years. That’s because the game isn’t a true home match for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Live Betting Odds
Thinking about placing a bet on this matchup? Check out the latest odds and lines from FanDuel:
| Bet Type | Dodgers | Rays |
|---|---|---|
Run Line | –1.5 (+108) | +1.5 (-130) |
Moneyline | -144 | +122 |
Total | Over 9 (-122) | Under 9 (+100) |
Keep an eye on the odds—lines can shift quickly before first pitch, and staying updated gives you a better shot at locking in value before it moves.
Top Player Props to Consider
- Shohei Ohtani to Hit a Home Run—Excellent matchup vs. Baz’s four-seamer.
- Clayton Kershaw Over 5.5 Strikeouts – If healthy, Rays’ swing-and-miss tendencies could give him value.
- Yandy Díaz Over 1.5 Total Bases—Hottest bat for Tampa, likely to make contact vs. Kershaw.
Our Best Bets
1. Dodgers Moneyline – High Confidence
- Why we like it: The Dodgers are simply the better team in nearly every area—offense, bullpen, and defensive consistency. Kershaw, even at 80%, brings postseason poise and knows how to attack inexperienced hitters. Meanwhile, Baz has struggled against patient, powerful lineups like LA’s.
- Supporting Trends:
- The Dodgers are 16–5 in their last 21 interleague games.
- The Rays are 2–6 in their last 8 home games (though this is technically neutral).
- Watch out for: If Kershaw is pulled early due to pitch count, the Dodgers’ bullpen will need to hold strong. Still, LA’s bullpen ranks in the top 5 in xFIP.
2. Over 8.5 – Medium Confidence
- Why we like it: This ballpark (Steinbrenner Field) is smaller and favors hitters, especially with hot, humid Florida air in August. Both lineups have power threats, and Baz is prone to giving up multi-run innings.
- Offensive angles:
- The Dodgers average 5.2 runs/game vs. RHP.
- The Rays’ bullpen has allowed a 4.45 ERA in the past 30 days.
- X-factor: One early home run could break this open and force the losing team to chase—great for an over.
3. Shohei Ohtani HR or 2+ Bases – Medium Confidence
- Why we like it: Ohtani is red-hot and has a strong matchup vs. Baz, who struggles with lefties. Ohtani hits high-velocity fastballs (.321 AVG, .662 SLG vs. 95+ mph).
- Prop options:
- Safer play: Ohtani Over 1.5 Total Bases.
- Higher risk/reward: Ohtani to hit a home run (+400 range typical).
- Bonus angle: He may also walk or get hit by a pitch, but still expect him to be in RBI opportunities.
4. Dodgers -1.5 Run Line – Low Confidence
- Why we like it: If the Dodgers win, there’s a good chance it’s by more than one run. They have the offensive firepower to pull away late.
- However…
- The neutral-site field could limit crowd pressure.
- Tampa Bay has late-inning fights and plays tight games (over 50% of wins by 1 run).
- Use this bet if: You’re chasing +EV or want a parlay leg with higher payout potential.
Our Final Verdict: Experience Over Youth
Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 6, Tampa Bay Rays 3
The LA Dodgers have the firepower and, most importantly, the experience, which gives them the upper hand, even on the road. You can also expect Kershaw to go 5+ innings and hand off to a solid bullpen. The Rays, on the other hand, will likely struggle to string hits against LA’s lefty-righty mix.
Before betting on Dodgers vs. Rays or any upcoming game, take a look at our sports betting strategies and don’t forget to line shop with trusted sportsbooks—check our top sports betting sites.
