White Sox vs Rays Picks and Prediction – 5/8/2024

Rays vs White Sox Prediction

The Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays will face off in the final game of a three-game series at Tropicana Field. The pitching matchup features right-handers Chris Flexen (1-3, 4.85 ERA) for Chicago and Aaron Civale (2-2, 6.14 ERA) for Tampa Bay. Elevate your MLB game with our top-notch MLB picks.

White Sox Preview

The Chicago White Sox (8-27, 3-15 away) are coming off a loss to the Rays of 8-2 in Game 1. Offensively, the White Sox have struggled all season, sporting a .208 team batting average and scoring just 102 runs through 35 games. Gavin Sheets leads Chicago's offense with a .270 batting average and a .362 on-base percentage, while Eloy Jimenez has been the top home run hitter with four and has 11 RBIs. Andrew Benintendi, despite a low .190 average, leads the team with 13 RBIs. 

On the mound, Chris Flexen has struggled with consistency, holding a 4.85 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP across 29.2 innings. The White Sox pitching staff has been equally inconsistent, posting a 5.00 team ERA and allowing opposing batters to hit .251.

Rays Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays (18-18, 12-9 home) continue to showcase excellent offense, hitting .246 as a team and scoring 148 runs. Isaac Paredes leads the Rays with seven home runs and 18 RBIs, while Amed Rosario contributes with a .308 batting average and a .433 slugging percentage. 

Aaron Civale, Tampa Bay's starting pitcher, has shown flashes of potential but has been inconsistent this season, holding a 6.14 ERA over 36.2 innings. However, he has struck out 39 batters while maintaining a 1.34 WHIP. The Rays' bullpen is a significant advantage, as they have consistently shut down opponents late in games.