MLB Betting – Can Diamondbacks Knock Off Contending Rays?

The Tampa Bay Rays seem here to stay as contenders in the AL East, and MLB betting fans have picked them in droves in the futures odds.

Sports betting fans also know that the Rays are going to need to scrap and claw for every win with the Yankees and Red Sox bunched up in the division winning games, and MLB betting odds for the Rays winning the division are close to the other two teams.

Sports betting fans have given up on the Diamondbacks for the most part, however, and now they have a tough matchup with the Rays and their surprising pitching star Jeff Nieman tonight.

Arizona Diamondbacks (Edwin Jackson, R) at Tampa Bay Rays (Jeff Nieman, R)

7:10, Tropicana Field

MLB betting odds: Tampa Bay favored at -1 ½

Carl Crawford is going to be missing tonight for the Rays, and Tampa Bay has been struggling lately as the Yankees have taken over first place.

Niemann has done quite well recently, however, cementing himself as one of the surprise pitchers of the first half in the American League.

Meanwhile, Edwin Jackson has been inconsistent yet again but his power pitching style proved effective in the American League last year with the Tigers which should help him in this game and as Interleague play continues.

He can hit 96 or higher on the radar gun and that’s key when facing loaded AL lineups and big pitches need to be made.

This will end up as a pitcher’s duel with Crawford out of the lineup and even though it’s a road game the Diamondbacks will sneak up on the Rays and make some sports betting and MLB betting fans happy tonight.

Jeff Niemann has pitched well but he’s not overpowering, giving the sports betting underdog Diamondbacks a solid shot to cover the spread.

MLB betting pick: Arizona Diamondbacks (+1 ½).