Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction and Picks - September 14, 2025
Use Code SSWC The Rays are facing off against the Cubs in game three of their series at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois; keep reading for our Rays versus Cubs prediction. Tampa Bay is fourth in the AL East with a record of 73-75. Chicago is second in the NL Central with a record of 84-64. The Cubs had a record of 1-2 against the Rays in 2024. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. EDT. Need some winners this baseball season? Check out our Free MLB Picks.
Rays Break Losing Streak
The Rays picked up a win on Saturday versus the Cubs with a final score of 5-4. This win would break up a three-game losing streak; however would be only the second win for the Rays in their last eight games. Tampa Bay is out of the playoff race as their winning percentage is too far away for any chance at a wild card spot in the American League.
Tampa Bay this season has done well at the mound, ranking 12th overall in ERA at 3.90 and sixth in walks. However, in their recent games we have seen a sharp decline in their pitching, which has led to multiple losing streaks and likely them being knocked out of the playoff race. The Rays have an ERA of 5.36 in their last five games and have allowed an average of one home run per game and 3.6 walks per game.
Right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser will be starting for the Rays on Sunday.
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Adrian Houser:
- has a record of 8-4 with an ERA of 3.11 and 83 strikeouts in 18 appearances this season.
- is 4-2 with an ERA of 3.98 and 52 strikeouts in 16 appearances against the Cubs in his career.
Cubs Look Ready For Post-Season
The Cubs are coming off a loss on Saturday versus the Rays with a final score of 5-4. This loss would break up a three-game win streak the Cubs had amassed. Chicago holds the top wild card spot in the National League and has a sizable lead.
Chicago has been a reliable team when it comes to both offense and defense as they rank tenth overall in ERA at 3.87 and lead the league in walks allowed. The Cubs’ offense has equally been impressive ranking ninth overall in runs and seventh overall in slugging percentage at .426. The Cubs’ ability to generate home runs has been paramount for their success at the plate ranking eighth overall in home runs.
Left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga will be starting for the Cubs on Sunday.
Shota Imanaga:
- is 9-7 with an ERA of 3.21 and 101 strikeouts in 22 appearances this season.
- will be facing off against the Rays for the first time in his career.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction and Picks
Run Line Pick for Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs
- Cubs -1.5 (+134) (3 units)
The Rays have a record of 0-2 against the run line as underdogs in their last two games against the Cubs on the road dating back to 2017. The Cubs have a 4-2 record against the run line as favorites against the AL East at home this season. The Rays are batting .219 against left-handed pitchers on the road this season. I do not have a lot of faith in the Rays’ offense in this matchup and if the Rays are unable to keep up with the Cubs’ batting, I have to look toward the Cubs to win this by a large margin.
Over/Under Pick for Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs
- Over 7.5 (+100) (4 units)
The Rays have an over/under record of 5-1 in their last six games on the road. The Cubs have an over/under record of 4-1 in their last five games at home. The Rays have struggled in recent games at the mound and I have no doubt the Cubs will continue to take advantage of it as they have this series. The Rays will attempt to match Chicago run for run but we should still see a one sided, albeit high scoring game.
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