Chicago Cubs vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Predictions September 12th 2025

Chicago Cubs vs Tampa Bay Rays September 12th 2025

The Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday, September 12, 2025. The Rays have a record of 72-74 and are ranked 4th in the AL East. They are currently on a two-game losing streak and have a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. Shane Baz will start for the Rays, bringing an ERA of 4.94 and a 9-11 win-loss record.

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The Cubs, with a record of 83-63, hold the 2nd spot in the NL Central. They have won their last two games and also have a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. Matthew Boyd will take the mound for the Cubs, boasting an ERA of 2.92 and a 12-8 win-loss record. The game will be played in overcast conditions with a light breeze. Fans can catch the action on FDSSU.

Rays vs Cubs Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs
• Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
• Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
• Betting Odds: Rays Moneyline +144, Cubs Moneyline -170, Rays Runline +1.5 (-155), Cubs Runline -1.5 (+130), Total Over 7.5 (+100), Total Under 7.5 (-121)

Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions

The Tampa Bay Rays travel to Wrigley Field to face the Chicago Cubs in a key interleague series. Tampa Bay is looking to bounce back after a loss to the White Sox, while Chicago enters after grinding out a close win over the Braves. With playoff positioning tightening, every inning matters.

The Rays Can Win If…

Tampa Bay showed life at the plate despite losing 5-1 to Chicago’s South Side team. Chandler Simpson’s 4-for-4 performance highlighted the Rays’ ability to generate offense. This is a club built on speed and power, ranking fifth in batting average (.252) and first in stolen bases (181). Junior Caminero leads the way with 42 homers and 106 RBIs.

On the mound, Shane Baz (4.94 ERA) will look to build on his six shutout innings against Seattle earlier this month. Tampa Bay’s staff also ranks top five in batting average against, a stat that keeps them competitive even when the offense cools.

Rays Snapshot

The Cubs Can Win If…

Chicago comes off a 3-2 win over Atlanta where the bullpen stepped up after injuries reshaped the late-inning picture. Offensively, Nico Hoerner’s three hits and Carson Kelly’s home run provided just enough to edge the Braves.

The Cubs are built on power, ranking sixth in MLB in homers (196) and seventh in slugging (.425). Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong headline the lineup’s pop. On the mound, Matthew Boyd (12-8, 2.92 ERA) has been Chicago’s most consistent arm with elite command (1.06 WHIP). If Boyd sets the tone early, the Cubs’ bats should have enough to back him.

Cubs Snapshot

Key Matchups and Betting Outlook

The clash between Baz’s power stuff and the Cubs’ slugging will be central. Tampa Bay thrives on speed, while Chicago thrives on power, creating a true style contrast.

For bettors, the Cubs open as -170 favorites with the Rays at +144. The projected total is 7.5, and models lean slightly to the over. Check the updated MLB odds board to monitor movement before first pitch.

Series History and Context

These teams don’t meet often, but the Cubs’ recent pitching depth and playoff urgency make this series crucial. The Cubs bullpen will likely work by committee while Daniel Palencia rehabs from injury. The Rays enter with questions about their rotation after Ryan Pepiot was scratched midweek, giving Baz a bigger spotlight.

Picks and Predictions

Projection: Cubs 5, Rays 3. With Boyd’s command and the Cubs’ power advantage, Chicago is the stronger side on the moneyline. The total projection of eight leans slightly to the over, but the best play is riding with the Cubs straight up.

For more analysis and projections across baseball, check the expert MLB picks hub.