MLB Prop Bets: Houston Astros vs Tampa Bay Rays (July 3, 2026)
The Tampa Bay Rays (51-33) face the Houston Astros (43-46) at Daikin Park on Friday at 8:15pm (ET). Let's take a look at the MLB Prop Bets for the matchup. Nick Martinez is the probable pitcher for the Rays, while Spencer Arrighetti is the probable pitcher for the Astros. This contest is a pick'em, with both the Rays and Astros at -110 to win. The total runs line is set at 8.0, with OVER at -115 and UNDER at -105.
- The Rays (+152) have a 50-34 Run Line record this season, while the Astros (-184) hold a record of 43-46.
- The Rays have a 37-44-3 O/U record this season (meaning 37 games have gone over the total runs line, 44 have gone under and three have resulted in a push). The Astros have a 47-38-4 O/U record.
Scoring Insights
- The Rays are averaging 4.6 runs per game this season (12th in the league). Comparatively, the Astros are averaging 4.5 (15th).
- In the field, the Rays are allowing 4.1 runs per game this season (8th in the league), while the Astros are allowing an average of 5.0 runs (25th).
Let's take a look at how these teams perform in some other key statistical areas.
Batting Insights:
Batting Average
- Looking at their batting averages this season, the Rays are at .261 (ranking 2nd in the Major leagues), while the Astros are batting .242 (19th).
Home Runs
- In terms of total home runs this season, the Astros are one of the best in the Major Leagues, hitting 116 to rank 6th. Alternatively, the Rays are at the opposite end of the home run standings, hitting just 79 (T26th).
Runs Batted In
- Finally, looking at their runs batted in, the Rays have recorded 368 RBIs to rank 17th in the MLB this season. Comparatively, the Astros have recorded 382 RBIs to rank 13th.
Pitching Insights:
Earned Run Average
- The Rays have one of the strongest earned run averages this season, sitting at 3.72 (6th in the Majors), while the Astros are at the opposite end of the scale with an ERA of 4.77 (26th).
Strikeouts
- Turning our attention to total strikeouts, the Rays have recorded 666 this season, ranking 26th in the MLB. Meanwhile, the Astros rank T9th for total strikeouts, recording 768.
Opponent Batting Average
- Opponents are batting an average of .241 against the Astros this season (15th in the Major Leagues). Comparatively, the Rays' opponents are at .233 (6th).
First Innings Moneyline
- Here are their first innings moneyline records in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rays | 24-16-44 | 13-9-21 | 11-7-23 | 17-14-26 | 7-2-18 | 0-0-0 | 4-3-3 |
| Astros | 28-24-37 | 15-12-17 | 13-12-20 | 8-9-13 | 20-15-24 | 0-0-0 | 2-2-6 |
Lead After Three Innings
- Here are their records after the first three innings in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rays | 34-25-25 | 18-13-12 | 16-12-13 | 27-19-11 | 7-6-14 | 0-0-0 | 7-2-1 |
| Astros | 31-37-21 | 17-18-9 | 14-19-12 | 10-15-5 | 21-22-16 | 0-0-0 | 1-5-4 |
NRFI/YRFI
The NRFI market is paying +100 and the YRFI is paying -130.
- The NRFI is 40-44 in Rays games this season. The Astros have a 35-54 NRFI record.
Last Time They Met
The Astros recorded an upset 1-0 victory over the Rays at Daikin Park when these teams last met on June 1, 2025. Jeremy Pena led the way to that victory, hitting a home run.
