The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays meet for their second game of the season. Jordan Lyles, starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, is looking for a bounce back season after posting a pedestrian 5.15 ERA over 30 starts in 2021. The right hander signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Orioles this off season.
Tampa Bay Rays starter Drew Rasmussen began 2021 as a reliever and was stretched out later in the season. Beginning in mid-August, Rasmussen was used as a starter and regularly delivered at least four innings of two-run ball or less. Over eight starts, Rasmussen accumulated 23 strikeouts against six walks as well as only 22 hits and six earned runs allowed across 37 innings. The decision was made for Rasmussen to be entrenched in the rotation for all of 2022. With that comes big expectations for Rasmussen.
PROBABLE PITCHERS
BALTIMORE ORIOLES (0-0): Jordan Lyles (10-13, 5.15 ERA in 2021)
TAMPA BAY RAYS (0-0): Drew Rasmussen (4-1, 2.84 ERA in 2021)
BETTING ODDS
Baltimore Orioles +185
Tampa Bay Rays -263
Despite the odds favoring the Rays, they would be a solid pick in this game. Jordan Lyles struggled last year and joins a team that is worse defensively than his previous team. We do not believe Lyles will be a success despite the money spent on him. Rasmussen, on the other hand, has proven to be an effective pitcher no matter where he is inserted. Further, the Tampa Bay Rays have a young lineup led by Wander Franco. Franco is expected to do damage especially against teams like the Orioles and pitchers like Jordan Lyles. With adrenaline rushing, we also expect a big game out of Franco.
GAME DETAILS
Date and Time: April 9th, 2022 at 1:10 PM EST
How To Watch: MLB.tv / MASN / BSSUN
Check out our MLB Award predictions here.
