Rays vs Red Sox prediction, odds, and live stream: who’s pitching tonight and will Jarren Duran extend his hit streak?

The Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays tonight at Fenway Park in a heated AL East showdown. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on FDSSUN. The Rays have struggled recently, winning just four of their last 12 games, while Boston looks to capitalize at home.

All eyes will be on Jarren Duran as he aims to extend his hit streak against Rays starter Shawn Bradley, who holds a 4-1 record against the Red Sox. With Tampa Bay leading the recent head-to-head matchups (20-12 since 2022), tonight’s pitching duel could tip the scales.

Who’s Pitching Tonight for Rays vs Red Sox?

The Tampa Bay Rays will send Taj Bradley to the mound, who carries a 4-1 record with a 3.86 ERA in five career starts against Boston. The Red Sox counter with Kutter Crawford, who’s shown improved command in recent outings but has struggled historically against Tampa’s lineup.

Bradley’s split-finger fastball has been particularly effective against left-handed hitters this season, which could spell trouble for Boston’s Masataka Yoshida in his return from injury. Meanwhile, Crawford will need to navigate a Rays lineup that’s prone to hot streaks – they’ve averaged 5.2 runs over their last 10 games despite recent inconsistencies.

Ms. Tomato, did you know Bradley has never lost at Fenway Park? That park factor favors his pitching style tremendously.

Really Mr. Lettuce? But the Sox are riding a six-game win streak! Shouldn’t momentum outweigh park factors?

Will Jarren Duran Extend His Hitting Streak?

Boston’s sparkplug Jarren Duran enters tonight riding a 12-game hitting streak, matching his career high set last August. The All-Star outfielder has tormented Rays pitching this season, batting .358 with three homers in their previous matchups.

Bradley presents an intriguing challenge – while right-handed, his splitter generates whiffs against lefties at a 32% clip. However, Duran’s improved plate discipline (his chase rate is down 7% from 2024) suggests he might spoil enough pitches to keep the streak alive. Key Stat: Duran has reached base in 21 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the AL.

Recent Performance Against Taj Bradley

Notice how Duran attacks first-pitch fastballs? That’s why he’s 3-for-5 against Bradley in such counts.

But Mr. Lettuce, shouldn’t he be more patient? Bradley’s ERA jumps from 2.89 to 5.21 after the fourth inning!

How to Watch Rays vs Red Sox Free Live Stream

Tonight’s 7:10 PM ET showdown at Fenway Park will be broadcast regionally on NESN and Bally Sports Sun. For cord-cutters, several streaming options exist:

• MLB.TV (free game of the day in some markets)
• FuboTV 7-day trial includes NESN
• DirecTV Stream carries Bally Sports networks

Blackout restrictions may apply based on location. International fans can access the game through MLB’s international streaming partners. The radio call will be available on WEEI 93.7 FM (Boston) and WDAE 95.3 FM/620 AM (Tampa).

Red Sox Lineup Changes With Yoshida’s Return

Masataka Yoshida’s activation creates a roster crunch after his explosive rehab stint (.412 BA, 2 HR in 5 games). Manager Alex Cora must balance playing time between Yoshida, Wilyer Abreu, and Rob Refsnyder at DH/outfield slots.

Projected batting order implications:

• Yoshida likely bats fifth against righties
• Abreu could shift to right field against some pitchers
• Refsnyder may platoon despite his .901 OPS vs LHP

This reminds me of 2023 when Yoshida returned mid-summer and sparked a 17-3 run. His two-strike approach changes everything.

But shouldn’t they keep riding hot hands? Abreu has 4 homers in his last 10 games!

Rays vs Red Sox Betting Odds and Picks

Oddsmakers list Boston as slight -120 favorites with the total set at 9 runs. The sharp money appears to be backing:

• Red Sox ML (+100) – Value in home momentum
• Over 9 (-110) – Both bullpens fatigued from recent use
• Duran 2+ Hits (+210) – Favorable matchup vs Bradley

Key betting trends to note:

• Rays are 1-5 in last 6 vs AL East
• Sox are 7-0 in Crawford’s last 7 home starts
• Over is 9-3 in Bradley’s last 12 road games

Can Red Sox Keep Winning Streak Alive Against Tough Schedule?

After sweeping the Rockies, Boston faces a brutal stretch:

1. 4 games vs playoff-contending Rays
2. Post-break series against Cubs/Phillies/Dodgers
3. 17 of next 23 vs +.500 teams

The upcoming stretch could define their season. The winner of this series gains crucial tiebreaker advantages in what projects to be a tight wildcard race. Bullpen usage will be critical – both teams used multiple relievers in Wednesday’s games.

Remember 2021 when the Sox went 12-2 against this caliber of competition? This club has similar vibes… if Crawford can give them 6 innings.

But Mr. Lettuce, the Rays always seem to ruin our summer plans! Doesn’t Aranda’s .400 average against us worry you?