Braves vs Rays MLB Pick: Defending CYA Winner Sale Starts for Atlanta (Mar 21)

• The Atlanta Braves (11-12) visit the Tampa Bay Rays (11-11) in Port Charlotte
• Atlanta starts defending NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale
• Tampa Bay counters with righty Drew Rasmussen
• The Braves are dealing with injuries and question marks; Tampa has ballpark woes

The Braves will start the season without starting catcher Sean Murphy and recently signed veteran James McCann to a minor-league contract. They also signed veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo. While these are simply depth moves, it speaks to the situation the Braves currently face. They did not spend much money in the offseason apart from signing Jurickson Profar. They have been mediocre this spring.

Tampa Bay is accustomed to navigating difficult circumstances, but this season is starting worse. They do not have a home ballpark because of the hurricane-related damage to Tropicana Field and will be playing their home games at the Yankees spring training complex. Their planned new ballpark does not appear to be happening and MLB is reportedly pressuring owner Stuart Sternberg to sell. Still, if any team can figure it out and stay competitive, it’s the Rays.

Atlanta’s Sale Is Gearing Up for the Season

At age 36 and with his extensive injury history, Chris Sale needs to conserve as many bullets as possible for the season. Atlanta used him ideally in 2024 and got a Cy Young Award at a discount. This spring, he’s 1-1 in 15.1 innings with 15 K’s and 4 walks. He’s surrendered 6 runs and 3 homers.

The Braves’ key bats have been up and down this spring. Marcell Ozuna is hitting .229 but has 3 homers. Michael Harris is at .325. Matt Olson is hitting .205. Jarred Kelenic’s continued struggles might have spurred the decision to sign Verdugo. The once-heralded prospect is hitting .211 and could be playing his way out of a third organization.

Tampa Bay’s Rasmussen Set for a Full Season

Drew Rasmussen returned last August after having an elbow brace procedure and pitched effectively out of the bullpen. Now, he is preparing for a full return to the rotation. The righty has pitched 6 innings and struck out 6, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits.

Tampa is accustomed to finding ways to get beyond adversity. This season will be tougher than most with the ballpark and pressure from MLB for Sternberg to sell.

Still, the Rays have a core of young talent. Tanner Murray is batting .353 with 3 homers. Jake Mangum is at .429 with 2 homers. Tres Barrera is hitting .429. Veteran catcher Danny Jansen is hitting .320.

Braves vs Rays Pick: Atlanta Will Win Behind Sale

It’s the time in spring training when teams and players start to ramp it up, so expect Sale to get either 4 or so innings or a predetermined number of pitches. Rasmussen is still working his way back into form. Atlanta should win this one in Tampa’s spring home.