Miami Marlins vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Predictions May 16th 2025

Marlins’ Kyle Stowers Looks to Stay Hot Against Rays in Weekend Opener

Since April 30, few hitters in baseball have been as locked in as Kyle Stowers, the 27-year-old outfielder for the Miami Marlins. With eight home runs in that span—more than big names like Aaron Judge (6) and Kyle Schwarber (7)—Stowers is grabbing headlines for all the right reasons.

The Miami Marlins open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday at LoanDepot Park, and Stowers is expected to be in the lineup once again as he continues to rewrite early-season expectations.

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From Role Player to Breakout Star

Stowers arrived in Miami quietly last July in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, a deal that sent pitcher Trevor Rogers to Baltimore in exchange for Stowers and infielder Connor Norby. At the time, he was viewed as a prospect with some upside but limited offensive consistency.

In his first 50 games with Miami in 2024, Stowers hit just .186 with two home runs and a .556 OPS—a forgettable stat line.

Fast forward to this year: Stowers is now slashing .300/.365/.581 with 10 home runs and a team-high .946 OPS in just 40 games.

“I’ve put a lot of work in the cage,” Stowers said. “Be on time, give myself space, and commit to my plan. It sounds simple, but that’s the secret sauce.”

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough credits Stowers’ all-field approach. “He’s getting to fastballs and still adjusting to off-speed. He’s just confident right now—and that’s everything,” McCullough said.

Marlins’ Pitching Preview: Max Meyer Looks to Set the Tone

Max Meyer (2-4, 4.37 ERA) gets the start for Miami on Friday. This will be his first career appearance against Tampa Bay, and he’s aiming for a bounce-back performance. While the Marlins are just 4-4 in games Meyer has started this season, he has shown flashes of dominance with improved command and movement on his slider.

The Marlins have allowed just 3.1 runs per game in Meyer’s wins, so early offense from hitters like Stowers could be the key to setting the tone.

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Rays Counter With Taj Bradley

The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to Taj Bradley (3-2, 4.24 ERA). Despite a bumpy 7.20 ERA in his only career start against the Marlins, the right-hander has five quality starts in eight outings this year and has been one of Tampa’s more consistent arms.

Bradley has allowed three earned runs or fewer in five of his last six appearances and has been more aggressive in attacking hitters early in counts.

The Rays are 5-3 in games he starts, and they’re looking to build off Thursday’s 8-3 win over Toronto.

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Rays Getting Key Reinforcements

Tampa Bay is getting healthier at the right time. Outfielder Josh Lowe returned from the IL Thursday and made an immediate impact, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a solo home run. It was Lowe’s first game since Opening Day, after battling an oblique strain.

“Hopefully I can bring some consistency,” Lowe said. “It’s been tough watching from the sidelines.”

Meanwhile, designated hitter Yandy Diaz, who missed the Toronto series due to a passport issue, is expected back Friday. Diaz is a career .285 hitter and adds veteran balance to a young lineup, although his OPS is down in 2024 (.691 compared to .800 career average).

Unfortunately for Tampa, outfielder Travis Jankowski was placed on the 10-day injured list with a groin injury. That puts more pressure on hitters like Lowe and Diaz to make an immediate impact.

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What’s At Stake: Momentum in May

The Marlins are trying to climb out of an early-season hole but have shown signs of life in May, thanks largely to Stowers’ bat and improved starting pitching. At 18-26, they need to keep stacking wins to stay competitive in the Wild Card chase.

Tampa Bay (20-23) is in a similar spot. With key players returning and back-to-back series wins, the Rays are slowly digging their way back toward .500. A strong weekend in Miami could completely reset their season trajectory.

With both teams fighting to stay relevant in their divisions, expect urgency from the first pitch.

Key Trends and Betting Notes

• Kyle Stowers has homered in 4 of his last 5 games
• Marlins are 6-4 in their last 10 home games
• Rays have won 4 of their last 6, including two road games
• Taj Bradley has a 2.89 ERA in night games this season
• Max Meyer has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in half his starts

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FAQs

How many home runs does Kyle Stowers have in May?
Stowers has 8 home runs since April 30, the most in MLB during that span.

Who is starting for the Marlins and Rays?
Max Meyer for Miami (2-4, 4.37 ERA) and Taj Bradley for Tampa Bay (3-2, 4.24 ERA).

Is Yandy Diaz playing Friday?
Yes. After missing time due to a passport issue, Diaz is expected back in the Rays’ lineup.

Who replaced Travis Jankowski on the Rays’ roster?
Josh Lowe returned from the IL and went 3-for-5 with a homer in his first game back.

What is Kyle Stowers’ overall 2024 stat line?
He’s batting .300 with 10 home runs and a .946 OPS in 40 games.

Where can I find expert picks for Rays vs. Marlins?
Visit our MLB Picks Page for predictions, props, and run-line strategies.