Game Details:
Matchup: Cardinals vs. Rays
Date & Time: Sunday, August 24, 2025 | 6:40 PM ET
Venue: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
Betting Line: Rays -135 | Over/Under: 8.0
Key Storylines
Wild Card Implications on the Line
This interleague clash carries playoff implications as both teams are in the hunt for a Wild Card spot in their respective leagues. The Cardinals enter this one just outside of the last NL Wild Card spot, while the Rays are clinging to the final AL Wild Card berth. Every game down the stretch counts, making tonight’s matchup critical for both ballclubs.
Pitching Matchup: Mikolas vs. Eflin
Miles Mikolas is expected to start for the Cardinals, bringing a 6-10 record with a 4.52 ERA. He’s struggled on the road this season, with opposing hitters batting .293 against him away from Busch Stadium. Tampa will counter with Zach Eflin, who has been reliable at home with a 3.19 ERA at Tropicana Field. His ability to generate ground balls could be crucial against St. Louis’ power hitters.
Offensive Trends
The Cardinals’ offense has been inconsistent, but with Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado heating up in August, they are still a threat to swing momentum quickly. Tampa’s offense relies heavily on situational hitting, and with young star Junior Caminero swinging a hot bat, the Rays are hoping to capitalize on any Mikolas mistakes.
Injury Report
Cardinals:
Out: Lars Nootbaar (oblique), Ryan Helsley (arm fatigue)
Questionable: Jordan Walker (hamstring)
Rays:
Out: Brandon Lowe (back), Shane Baz (elbow)
Day-to-Day: Josh Lowe (wrist)
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (ATS):
Cardinals: 59-66 ATS
Rays: 63-62 ATS
Over/Under Trends:
The total has gone over in 7 of the Cardinals’ last 10 games.
The total has gone under in 6 of the Rays’ last 9 home games.
Player Prop to Watch
Paul Goldschmidt (Cardinals) – Hits + Runs + RBIs Total: 2.5
Goldy is coming off a multi-hit game and has homered twice in the past five contests. Tampa’s bullpen has shown signs of wear, making the over on his combo prop an interesting angle.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Rays -1.5 → Tampa’s pitching gives them the edge, especially at home.
Total: Under 8.0 → Expect a low-scoring pitchers’ duel inside the dome.
Player Prop: Paul Goldschmidt Over 2.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs → He’s St. Louis’ hottest bat and could be the difference-maker in a tight contest.
This matchup should be tightly contested, with playoff urgency fueling both squads. However, Eflin’s home stability and Tampa’s deeper bullpen give them the edge in a low-scoring battle.
Final Score Prediction: Rays 4, Cardinals 2