| MATCHUP | Tampa Bay Rays | Boston Red Sox |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 24-12 | 16-21 |
| Spread | -1.5 162 | +1.5 -197 |
| Moneyline | +102 | -122 |
| Total | Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115) |
| Where | Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts | |
| When | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN | |
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays enter Thursday’s contest with a 24–12 overall record (2nd in the American League East) and a 10–8 mark on the road. The Rays offense has been solid to this point in the regular season. Through 36 games played in 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays have compiled 159 runs (15th in MLB), 45 doubles, 30 home runs and a .254 batting average which ranks fifth in Major League Baseball.The Rays arrive at tomorrow’s game in strong form. More specifically, Tampa Bay has won 12 of the team’s last 13 games played this season, including a 5–1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays two days ago.
The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to right hander Griffin Jax in this contest. Jax will be making his first start of the season tomorrow night. Jax will look to shut down a formidable Boston Red Sox lineup tomorrow night.
The Tampa Bay Rays have compiled a quality lineup this season featuring first baseman Yandy Diaz and third baseman Junior Caminero. Yandy Diaz enters this contest with a .318 batting average (14th in MLB), 5 home runs, 22 RBIs and an .874 OPS which ranks 25th in Major League Baseball. Junior Caminero leads the team with 9 home runs and a .474 SLG providing Tampa Bay with a strong offensive core.
Boston Red Sox Betting Preview
The Boston Red Sox enter Sunday’s matchup with a 15–21 overall record (5th in the American League East) and a 6–10 mark at home. Boston has played rather well recently, winning two consecutive games, including a 5–4 win over the Detroit Tigers earlier this week.Boston will start left‑hander Jake Bennett, who is making his early transition into the Red Sox rotation. In one start made this season, Bennett has compiled a 1–0 win-loss record, a 1.80 ERA, a 1.40 WHIP and 3 strikeouts, while allowing just 5 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings pitched.
Shifting our focus to the Boston offense, the Red Sox’s lineup features outfielder Wilyer Abreu and first baseman Willson Contreras. Abreu enters this contest with a .311 batting average (19th in MLB), 5 home runs, 6 doubles, 16 RBIs and an .878 OPS which ranks 27th in Major League Baseball. Wilson Contreras has compiled a .270 batting average, 8 home runs (25th in MLB), 4 doubles, 17 walks, 22 RBIs and an .874 OPS.
Why the Tampa Bay Rays will win.
• Offensive production. Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero provide a strong core to the Rays lineup.• Recent momentum. The Tampa Bay Rays have won 12 of the team’s last 13 games played this season.
Why the Boston Red Sox will win.
• Home field advantage. The Red Sox have historically played well at Fenway Park. Boston will look to improve on the team’s poor 6-10 record at home this season.• Offensive upside. Wilson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu continue to anchor the Boston lineup.
• Starting pitching edge. Jake Bennett has compiled a 1–0 win-loss record, a 1.80 ERA, a 1.40 WHIP and 3 strikeouts, while allowing just 5 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings pitched in 2026.