MLB July Total of the Month - Friday
- Handicapper
- Jim Feist
- League
- MLB
- Competition
- Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays
- Release Date
- 07/31/2026 11:09 AM
- Event Date
- 07/31/2026 07:10 PM
- Bet Type
- Over / Under
- Pick
-
Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays Over 8.5 (+100)
(BetMGM)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- The Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are two teams we want playing OVER the total Friday in Jim Feist’ s July MLB Total of the Month.
Chicago starter Erick Fedde enters at 5-6 with a 4.25 ERA and 68 strikeouts. Fedde has been decent this season, but he hasn’t shown the ability to consistently hold his own against good offenses or work deep into games without giving up baserunners. Tampa Bay hits for average and gets on base at a great clip, so there will be opportunities for the Rays offense to stress Fedde and reach Chicago’s bullpen early.
Tampa Bay counters with Nick Martinez, who boasts a stellar 10-2 record and 2.45 ERA. However, Chicago also has underrated power in its lineup. White Sox hitters rank among MLB’s best in home runs and are averaging nearly five runs per game. Colson Montgomery, Munetaka Murakami and the core of Chicago’s batting order provide the power necessary to hurt one or two mistakes and drive their share of the total.
Pitching behind both starters is also something to consider. Chicago played an 11-inning game on Thursday versus the Yankees which forced the White Sox to use multiple relievers prior to traveling to Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay also played a close game in its series finale on Thursday, forcing Shane McClanahan to exit early and cover more innings with its bullpen. Both managers could have less reliable late-inning options than normal due to Thursday’s actions.
Lastly, we feel there are multiple ways this total can be reached without either starter being lit up. Tampa Bay can attack Fedde with hits, walks and extra-base hits. Chicago may not hit for average against Martinez, but its home-run prowess gives it the ability to empty the bases quickly against Martinez or Tampa Bay’s middle relief. One inning with more than one run scored by either team could put this game on the OVER trail right away.
Fedde matches up against a Tampa Bay lineup that works deep into counts and beats pitchers with patient at bats. Chicago has power you don’t realize it has until you look at the home-run totals. Add in both bullpens pitching after going through the innings mill on Thursday and this series opener has all the makings of a game with consistent scoring from the early innings right down to the end.
Jim's Play: 959. White Sox/Rays OVER (MLB July Total of the Month)
