Sep 17, 2026
Brewers vs. Pirates prediction: Why Milwaukee is favored to win Thursday's MLB matchup [9/17/2026]
Read Article Athletics vs. Rays prediction: Why Tampa Bay is favored to win Thursday's MLB matchup [9/17/2026]
Updated: | First published:
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Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Dimers' simulation model projects a 65.9% win probability for the Rays at Tropicana Field.
The Tampa Bay Rays will face the Athletics in MLB action at Tropicana Field on Thursday, starting at 1:10 PM ET.
The Rays will send Drew Rasmussen (14-5, 2.81 ERA) to the mound, while the Athletics will counter with Jeffrey Springs (4-13, 5.93 ERA).
Dimers' advanced MLB model projects the Rays as the most likely winner in this Athletics vs. Rays prediction.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's matchup, including best bets and picks.
For more, dive into Drew Rasmussen's pitching projections.
A's vs. Rays prediction and odds
Using powerful machine learning and statistical analysis, we have re-simulated the outcome of Thursday's MLB matchup between the Athletics and Rays, forming part of our MLB predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model gives the Rays a 65.9% chance of defeating the Athletics. According to our model, the Athletics (+1.5) have a 53.3% chance of covering the run line, while the 7.5-run over/under has a 56.0% chance of going over.
Latest betting odds
We have researched the best MLB odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
- Run Line: Athletics +1.5 (+108) / Rays -1.5 (-113)
- Moneyline: Athletics +253, Rays -251
- Total: Over/Under 7.5 (-108/+104)
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Model picks and best bet
After matching our probabilities against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
- Run line: Athletics +1.5 @ 48¢ via Novig
- Moneyline: Athletics @ 28¢ via Polymarket
- Total: Over 7.5 @ 52¢ via Polymarket
According to our MLB best bets, the top play to make on this game is Athletics to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.
Game info & first pitch details
Thursday's MLB game between the Rays and Athletics at Tropicana Field is scheduled to begin at 1:10 PM ET.
- Who: Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
- Time: 1:10 PM ET/10:10AM PT
- Venue: Tropicana Field
Conclusion
We predict the Rays, with a 65.9% win probability, will likely beat the Athletics in Thursday's MLB matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary MLB prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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