Miami Marlins vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Predictions May 17th 2025

Connor Norby, Marlins Hope to Continue Offensive Rise vs. Rays

Norby Leading the Charge in Miami’s Resurgence

After a sluggish start to the season, the Miami Marlins’ offense is showing signs of life — and Connor Norby is right at the heart of it. The 23-year-old third baseman delivered a clutch three-run double on Friday, helping Miami to a 9-4 rout of the Tampa Bay Rays in the Citrus Series opener.

“We know this offense is going to click,” Norby said after the win.
“We’ve played a lot of close games. We’ve had to grind out wins. We have some guys like myself who … we feel like we’re getting there.”

Norby has now notched hits in nine of his last 10 games, batting .324 during that span. Although he’s hitting just .264 on the season due to early struggles, his recent form suggests he’s poised for a breakout.

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“He has the knack for getting hits with runners in scoring position,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said.
“He’s certainly not afraid of those moments. He enjoys those moments.”

A Balanced Effort Sparks Miami

The Marlins also got meaningful contributions from Jesus Sanchez and Javier Sanoja in Friday’s game, stepping in for the injured Xavier Edwards. The fill-ins combined for three hits, three runs, and two walks in an encouraging all-around offensive display.

The nine runs scored by Miami marked the team’s third-best output of the season — a stark contrast from their early-season drought.

Miami’s recent improvements at the plate offer a compelling angle for bettors exploring MLB betting picks and insights, especially with a hot hand like Norby stepping up.

Alcantara Looks to Rebound, Face Familiar Foe

Sandy Alcantara (2-5, 8.10 ERA) will take the mound on Saturday in hopes of finding his groove. The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner has struggled to return to form since Tommy John surgery, but he carries a respectable 3.44 ERA in six career starts against the Rays.

He’ll need his best stuff to counter Tampa Bay’s lineup, which, despite the Friday stumble, has gone 9-3 in its last 12 road games.

Rasmussen Aims to Steady Rays’ Rotation

Tampa Bay turns to Drew Rasmussen (1-4, 3.38 ERA), who has quietly been solid this season. The hard-throwing right-hander has a 2.57 ERA against the Marlins across four career outings and has the ability to control the zone with a high-velocity fastball.

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Though initially considered for a closer role in 2024, Rasmussen has found stability in both starting and relief duties.

Rays Seek to Regain Citrus Series Dominance

Even with Friday’s loss, the Rays have historically dominated this interleague matchup, going 24-4 against the Marlins since the start of the 2019 season. But Tampa Bay will need to tighten up the control issues that plagued them in Game 1, where their staff issued seven walks.

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“Giving up hits is one thing. But free passes ultimately, really, was the outcome of the game,” manager Kevin Cash admitted postgame.
“That is very uncharacteristic of us.”

If the Marlins continue their offensive upswing and Alcantara can turn in a quality start, Saturday’s matchup could prove another turning point in their season.