The Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays face off in the second game of their three-game series on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The Astros won the series opener 4-3, taking an early lead before securing the victory with a late home run from Jake Meyers.
Game Details
- Matchup: Houston Astros (25-22) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (21-26)
- Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Time: 7:05 PM ET
- Venue: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
- TV Broadcast: ESPN
Team Breakdown
Houston Astros (25-22, 3rd in AL West)
The Astros have been solid offensively, ranking 5th in the AL in on-base percentage (.318). Their lineup features Jake Meyers, who has been productive with six doubles, a triple, and three home runs over the last 10 games.
Houston’s pitching staff has been consistent, with Brandon Walter set to make his first MLB start after recovering from a rotator cuff injury. Walter posted a 2.27 ERA in Triple-A Sugar Land this season, showing promise in the minors.
Tampa Bay Rays (21-26, 4th in AL East)
The Rays have struggled at home, holding an 11-18 record at Steinbrenner Field. Their pitching staff ranks 8th in the AL in ERA (3.92), but their offense has been inconsistent.
Jonathan Aranda leads the team with a .309 batting average, while Chandler Simpson has been a spark in the lineup, going 12-for-33 with four RBIs over the last 10 games.
Tampa Bay will rely on Zack Littell (3-5, 4.31 ERA), who pitched 7 1/3 innings in his last start, his longest outing since 2023.
Probable Pitchers
Houston Astros: Brandon Walter (LHP)
- Season Stats: First MLB start
- Triple-A Stats: 2-1, 2.27 ERA, 0.70 WHIP
- Key Strength: Strong command and ability to limit walks
Tampa Bay Rays: Zack Littell (RHP)
- Season Stats: 3-5, 4.31 ERA, 32 K, 1.12 WHIP
- Last Start: 7 1/3 IP, 3 ER vs. Toronto
- Key Strength: Deep pitch count and ability to go long innings
Key Matchups
Jake Meyers vs. Zack Littell
- Meyers has been one of Houston’s most consistent hitters, making him a tough challenge for Littell.
Jonathan Aranda vs. Brandon Walter
- Aranda leads Tampa Bay in batting average and will look to capitalize on Walter’s MLB debut.
Astros’ Power vs. Rays’ Pitching
- Houston ranks 5th in the AL in on-base percentage, while Tampa Bay’s pitching staff has struggled against power hitters.
Game Outlook
The Astros enter as slight favorites, given their strong offensive production and Walter’s promising minor league stats. However, Tampa Bay’s home-field advantage and Littell’s ability to go deep into games could make this a competitive matchup.
If Houston’s power hitters find their rhythm early, they should secure a victory. However, if Tampa Bay’s pitching holds up, they could pull off a close win.
Game Odds
Houston Astros 9
Tampa Bay Rays – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 19, 2025
