| MATCHUP | Boston Red Sox | Tampa Bay Rays |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 84-71 | 94-60 |
| Where | Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida | |
| When | Sunday, September 20, 2026 | |
| Time | 01:40 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN Unlmtd | |
Boston Red Sox Betting Preview
The Boston Red Sox enter Sunday afternoon’s matchup with an 84–71 overall record (3rd in the American League East) and a 46–35 mark on the road. Boston has played competitive baseball recently, winning two of the team’s last three games played this season, including a 4–3 win over the Texas Rangers earlier this week.The Boston Red Sox will turn to left hander Patrick Sandoval in this game. In 12 starts made in 2026, Sandoval has compiled a 1-6 win-loss record, a 4.99 ERA, a 1.79 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 57.2 innings pitched. Patrick Sandoval has struggled recently, allowing four earned runs or more in his two of his last three starts made this season. Sandoval will look to rebound from his recent poor performances on the mound in tomorrow’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Shifting our focus to the Boston offense, the Red Sox lineup features catcher William Contreras and center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela. Contreras has amassed 27 home runs, 81 RBIs and has been one of Boston’s most productive offensive players in 2026. Rafaela enters this contest with a .282 batting average, 21 walks, 16 home runs, 70 RBIs and a .760 OPS.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays enter Sunday’s matchup with a 94–60 overall record (1st in the American League East) and a 54–26 mark at home. The Rays offense has been outstanding this season. Tampa Bay has amassed 702 runs scored (8th in MLB), 216 doubles, 163 home runs and a .259 team batting average which ranks first in Major League Baseball.Tampa Bay has played good baseball recently, winning seven of the team’s last eight games, including a convincing 10-4 victory over the Houston Astros last week.
The Rays will start right hander Griffin Jax in this contest. In 21 starts made this season, Jax has tallied a 7-10 record, a 3.80 ERA, 110 strikeouts and a 1.20 WHIP in 104.1 innings pitched. Jax pitched exceptionally well in his most recent outing, allowing no earned runs, while scattering two hits and one walk across five innings pitched in the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 defeat of the Athletics four days ago.
Shifting our focus to the Tampa Bay offense, the Rays lineup features talented outfielder Chandler Simpson. Simpson has amassed a rather impressive .309 batting average (3rd in MLB), 16 doubles, 26 walks, 36 RBIs, 35 stolen bases and a .697 OPS.
Why the Boston Red Sox will win.
• Road success. Ability to win on the road. Boston has amassed a 46-35 win-loss record away from home.• Recent form. The Boston Red Sox have won two of the team’s last three games.
• Offensive leadership. William Contreras has amassed 27 home runs and 81 RBIs this season.
Why the Tampa Bay Rays will win.
• Home field advantage. The Tampa Bay Rays have compiled a 54-26 win-loss record at Tropicana Field.• Current form. Tampa Bay has won seven of the team’s last eight games.
• Starting pitching edge. In 21 starts made this season, Griffin Jax has tallied a 7-10 record, a 3.80 ERA, 110 strikeouts and a 1.20 WHIP in 104.1 innings pitched.