Tampa Bay Rays vs Houston Astros Picks and Predictions May 20th 2025

Astros vs. Rays: Houston Eyes Third Straight Road Victory

The Houston Astros are finally starting to cook on the road. With Monday’s 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, they snagged back-to-back road victories for the first time all season. Now, all eyes turn to game two of this pivotal three-game set at the Rays’ temporary Tampa location — and the Astros are looking for more.

A major reason for the spark? Jeremy Peña’s red-hot bat since getting bumped to the leadoff spot. Initially hitting in the bottom half of the order through April, Peña’s promotion to the top came on April 27 — at the suggestion of veteran Jose Altuve. The shift has paid serious dividends.

Peña, who sat out Sunday’s game against the Rangers, returned on Monday and delivered a 3-for-4 performance, boosting his average to an impressive .309. Since moving up in the lineup, he’s hitting a scorching .381 (32-for-84), with 3 home runs and 15 RBIs over a 20-game stretch.

Manager Joe Espada is loving what he’s seeing.

“He’s doing more than I expected,” said Espada. “He’s getting great pitches, and he’s not missing them. What he’s bringing to the table right now is just outstanding.”

Want to track how the Astros’ lineup adjustments are impacting their betting odds? Visit the MLB Odds Page for real-time updates and insights.

Brandon Walter Set to Make Astros Debut

Tuesday night brings a big first for Houston as well — lefty Brandon Walter is set to make his Astros debut. The call-up comes in the wake of unfortunate injury news: Hayden Wesneski, recently acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade, is set for Tommy John surgery after only six starts.

Walter’s numbers in Triple-A Sugar Land this season have been solid: 2-1 record, 2.97 ERA across nine games (five starts). Although he made nine relief appearances with Boston last year, this will be his first MLB start — and it comes with the spotlight fully on him.

Astros fans eager to follow how the roster changes are shaping the team’s performance can check out the latest squad details on the MLB Team Page.

Rays Continue to Struggle at “Home Away from Home”

Tampa Bay’s temporary home in Tampa — the Yankees’ spring training site — hasn’t been kind. With the latest loss, the Rays dropped to 11-18 at the venue. It’s a stark contrast to their usual dominance at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

Despite manager Kevin Cash’s effort to downplay the poor home form, saying, “We’ve got to play better baseball regardless of the venue,” the results haven’t followed. Their road record (10-8) tells a different story: they’re much more comfortable away from their current digs.

Zack Littell, Tuesday’s starter, hopes to continue a recent turnaround. After starting the year 0-5, he’s now 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA. Over his last four starts, he’s posted a 3.20 ERA — including strong outings against playoff-caliber clubs like the Yankees and Padres.

He’s also been solid historically against Houston, with a 2-0 record and a 2.30 ERA across three starts.

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Can the Astros Stay Hot?

Houston’s recent wins could mark the beginning of a much-needed hot streak, especially with a fresh arm like Walter’s stepping into the rotation. Peña’s consistency at the top of the lineup gives the team a much-needed identity, and if the bullpen holds, they could be poised for a sweep.

Of course, the Rays are far from a pushover — their offensive lineup has power, and Littell is in a groove. But unless Tampa Bay figures out how to flip the script at their temporary home, the Astros might just extend their streak.

For daily insights, expert picks, and full MLB coverage, check out the MLB Pick Page and stay ahead of the game.

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FAQs

What led to Jeremy Peña’s batting order promotion?
Peña was moved to the leadoff spot on April 27, largely at Jose Altuve’s suggestion. The change aimed to capitalize on Peña’s contact skills and speed.

How has Peña performed since leading off?
He’s batting .381 with 15 RBIs and 3 homers over 20 games in the leadoff role, proving to be a spark for the Astros’ offense.

Who is Brandon Walter and why is he debuting?
Walter, a lefty with a 2.97 ERA in Triple-A, is debuting due to Hayden Wesneski’s season-ending surgery. It’s a big opportunity for him.

Why are the Rays struggling at home?
Playing away from Tropicana Field, the Rays are 11-18 at their temporary stadium, which lacks their usual home-field advantage.

Is Zack Littell improving as a starter?
Yes, Littell has a 3.20 ERA over his last four starts and has been effective against Houston in the past.

Where can I find expert MLB betting picks?
You can head over to the Expert Betting Guide for top-tier predictions and insights.