Philadelphia Phillies vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 9/27/26, 11:26 AM  by Bill Christy | Modified on 10/1/26 at 7:26 AM in MLB Picks

One of the most interesting matchups taking place on the final day of the regular season is set to take place this afternoon in South Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Phillies have had chances to clinch their playoff berth numerous times this past week and have not been able to punch their ticket. They will get yet another opportunity today when they face the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Phillies have looked completely lost in the last month. They were in the driver’s seat in terms of their postseason destiny and have squandered opportunity after opportunity. They are lucky the Diamondbacks have continued to lose lately or they would be on the outside looking in on the wild card race. The bullpen has been an issue for the Phillies all season, but it has been more about the lack of offense that has caused their recent struggles. They have scored just 3 runs over their last 4 games. That will not cut it against anyone.

Tampa Bay continues to grow their best record in baseball as they have taken the 1st two games of this series with the Phillies. They have leaned on strong pitching to get those wins. Five pitchers combined for a complete-game, 4-hitter in game one. In game two, 7 pitchers combined to allow just 1 run on 7 hits and helped lead the Rays to a 12-1 win.