Brewers vs. Rays Game 2 Preview: Odds, Prediction and Expert Analysis

Brewers-Rays Saturday Showdown: Pivotal Game 2 in Tampa

The struggling Tampa Bay Rays welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to Tropicana Field for the second game of their weekend series on Saturday, May 10th. After an inconsistent start for both clubs, this 4:10 PM ET clash features an intriguing pitching matchup between Tobias Myers and Taj Bradley—two young arms looking to establish themselves as reliable rotation pieces. While the Brewers (19-19) have shown signs of life with three victories in their last four contests, the Rays (16-21) enter on a concerning three-game skid that has their season trending in the wrong direction.

Let’s dive into this compelling interleague matchup with a comprehensive breakdown of the pitching duel, team trends, and the most valuable betting angles available at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Pitching Matchup Analysis: Myers vs. Bradley

Tobias Myers (1-0, 3.65 ERA, 1.54 WHIP)

Myers, a relatively unproven commodity in the Brewers’ rotation, has been a pleasant surprise in limited action this season. Through 12.1 innings across four appearances, the right-hander has allowed just five earned runs while recording eight strikeouts. His most recent outing was particularly encouraging, surrendering just one run on six hits through 5.1 solid innings.

What’s particularly interesting about Myers is his minimal exposure against the Rays’ lineup. Among Tampa Bay hitters, only Christopher Morel has faced him previously, recording a home run and two RBIs with a .500 batting average in their limited encounters. This unfamiliarity could work to Myers’ advantage in his first start away from American Family Field, though his 6.00 road ERA is something to monitor.

Taj Bradley (3-2, 4.43 ERA, 1.33 WHIP)

Bradley has shown flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency through seven starts this season. The young Tampa Bay hurler has accumulated 30 strikeouts across 40.2 innings but has also issued 18 walks, contributing to a concerning 1.7 K/BB ratio. His last start was serviceable, allowing two runs on four hits through 5.1 innings, though his single strikeout raised eyebrows.

At Tropicana Field, Bradley has posted a 4.07 ERA across four starts (2-2 record), slightly better than his overall numbers. The fact that no current Brewers hitters have previous at-bats against Bradley introduces an element of unpredictability to this matchup, potentially giving the right-hander an early advantage before Milwaukee’s lineup can make adjustments.

Team Form Analysis: Contrasting Trajectories

Milwaukee Brewers (19-19)

The Brewers have failed to recapture the excellence that led to their impressive 93-69 record last season, instead delivering maddeningly inconsistent performances throughout April and early May. Their offense, which ranked in the upper half of MLB last year, has taken a concerning step backward in 2025, now sitting 22nd in team batting average (.237).

Despite these struggles, Milwaukee’s recent uptick (winning three of four) suggests potential stabilization. William Contreras and Christian Yelich continue providing veteran leadership, while Brice Turang has emerged as a bright spot with a team-leading .318 batting average and .383 OBP. Yelich remains the power threat with a team-high six home runs and 25 RBIs.

The rotation received encouraging news with former ace Brandon Woodruff nearing a return, though the current staff has performed admirably led by Freddy Peralta, Chad Patrick, and veteran Jose Quintana.

Tampa Bay Rays (16-21)

After an underwhelming 80-82 campaign in 2024, the Rays have continued their mediocre play into 2025. Their recent three-game losing streak has raised concerns about whether this roster has the firepower to compete in the loaded AL East. While their offense has shown improvement from last year’s anemic production (batting average up from .230 to .243), their typically dominant pitching staff has regressed considerably.

The Rays’ lineup features some intriguing young talent, with Jonathan Aranda (.333 AVG, .427 OBP) and Junior Caminero (seven home runs) providing offensive sparks. Veteran Yandy Diaz remains productive with a team-leading 38 hits and 20 RBIs. However, the absence of offseason acquisition Ha-Seong Kim to injury has diminished their defensive prowess and lineup depth.

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Betting Odds & Value Analysis

Current Odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)

• Milwaukee Brewers: +1.5 (-188) | Moneyline: +114

• Tampa Bay Rays: -1.5 (+155) | Moneyline: -134

• Total: Over 9.5 (+100) | Under 9.5 (-122)

The betting market has installed Tampa Bay as moderate home favorites, which seems curious given their recent form. The Rays have dropped three straight contests while the Brewers have won three of four, creating a potential value opportunity on the visiting underdogs.

The run total of 9.5 reflects both teams’ mediocre pitching, though the juice favoring the under (-122) suggests sharp money anticipates a lower-scoring affair than the number indicates. With Bradley’s ability to miss bats and Myers’ recent effectiveness, there could be value in the under, especially if both starters can work efficiently into the middle innings.

Expert Prediction and Best Bet

When dissecting this matchup comprehensively, several factors point toward Milwaukee as the superior wagering opportunity. The Brewers’ improved recent form contrasts sharply with Tampa Bay’s downward spiral. While Myers remains somewhat unproven, his effectiveness in limited action compares favorably to Bradley’s inconsistency.

The betting value lies with Milwaukee in multiple markets. At +114 on the moneyline, the Brewers offer substantial return potential given the teams’ contrasting trajectories. For more conservative bettors, the +1.5 run line at -188 provides a cushion should the game remain tight into the late innings, which appears likely given the pitching matchup.

Official Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers 5, Tampa Bay Rays 3

Best Bet: Milwaukee Brewers Moneyline (+114)

Key Insights for Brewers-Rays

How has Tobias Myers performed in his limited MLB action?

Myers has been surprisingly effective with a 3.65 ERA across four appearances (12.1 innings). His control has been somewhat concerning (seven walks), but he’s limited damage effectively, allowing just five earned runs total. His last outing was particularly impressive, yielding just one run over 5.1 innings.

What’s behind Tampa Bay’s recent struggles?

The Rays’ three-game skid reflects broader issues with their pitching staff, which has regressed significantly from last season’s top-10 unit. While their offense has improved modestly (up to 16th in batting average), inconsistent starting pitching and bullpen reliability have plagued them throughout April and early May.

Who are the key offensive performers to watch in this matchup?

For Milwaukee, Brice Turang (.318 AVG, .383 OBP) and Christian Yelich (6 HR, 25 RBI) have carried the offensive load. Tampa Bay counters with Jonathan Aranda’s impressive .333 average and Junior Caminero’s power potential (team-leading 7 home runs).

How significant is the Brewers’ recent uptick in performance?

Winning three of their last four suggests potential stabilization for Milwaukee after an inconsistent start. Their pitching staff has performed better than expected without Brandon Woodruff, and his imminent return could provide further momentum for a team that won 93 games last season.

What betting trends matter for this interleague matchup?

The Rays have struggled as home favorites this season, while Milwaukee has performed admirably as road underdogs. With Tampa Bay’s current three-game losing streak and the Brewers’ improved form, the betting value lies with the underdog despite the historical challenges of interleague play.

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