Marlins vs. Rays prediction: Why Tampa Bay is favored to win Sunday's MLB matchup [5/17/2026]

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Written by Jason Bevilacqua

Get Miami Marlins vs Tampa Bay Rays predictions for MLB Sunday.

Miami Marlins-Tampa Bay Rays Predictions and Game Preview.
Miami Marlins vs. Tampa Bay Rays MLB prediction for Sunday, May 17, 2026.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins are scheduled to meet in MLB action at Tropicana Field on Sunday, starting at 12:15 PM ET.

Drew Rasmussen (3-1, 3.16 ERA) will start for the Rays, while the Marlins have opted for Eury Pérez (2-5, 4.94 ERA).

Based on updated simulations, Dimers' proven MLB model predicts the Rays as the most likely winner of the Marlins vs. Rays game.

This article offers an expanded analysis of Sunday's matchup, including best bets and picks.

Marlins vs. Rays prediction: Who will win and cover?

Using innovative machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Sunday's MLB game between the Marlins and Rays, forming part of our MLB predictions coverage.

Our famous predictive model currently gives the Rays a 56% chance of defeating the Marlins.

According to our model, the Marlins (+1.5) have a 61% chance of covering the run line, while the 7.5-run over/under has a 53% chance of going over.

 

Marlins vs. Rays odds [5/17/2026]

We have sourced the best MLB odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

Bet Type Marlins Rays
Run Line +1.5 (-170) -1.5 (+146)
Moneyline +125 -144
Total o7.5 (+100) u7.5 (-119)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Marlins vs. Rays picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

Bet Type Pick Bet Now
Run Line Marlins +1.5 -170
Moneyline Marlins +125
Total Over 7.5 +100

According to our best MLB bets, the top play to make on this game is Over 7.5 total runs.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.

 

Marlins vs. Rays game-day updates and essential details

Sunday's MLB game between the Rays and Marlins at Tropicana Field is scheduled to begin at 12:15 PM ET.

Conclusion

We predict the Rays, with a 56% win probability, will likely beat the Marlins in Sunday's MLB matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

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Written by
Jason Bevilacqua
Head of Content and Communities

Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.

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