Dodgers vs Rays Tonight: Start Time, TV Channel, Live-Stream & Key Storylines

Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays collide tonight in Tampa for the first game of a three-game interleague showdown that could shape both clubs’ postseason positioning. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with MLB Network, Bally Sports Sun and SportsNet LA carrying the broadcast. GAME DETAILS • Date: Friday, August 1 2025 • Start time: 7:35 p.m. ET / 4:35 p.m. PT • Venue: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL • TV/Live stream: MLB Network, FDSSUN, SportsNet LA, MLB.TV • Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, Rays Radio Network WHY THIS SERIES MATTERS The Dodgers (5-5 over their last 10) are clinging to a narrow NL West lead, while the Rays (2-8 in their last 10) need a spark to stay in the AL Wild Card hunt. A statement series against an NL powerhouse could be exactly what Tampa Bay needs; for Los Angeles, it’s a chance to bank road wins before a tough homestand. PITCHING MATCHUP • Dodgers: LHP Clayton Kershaw (4-2, 3.41 ERA) • Rays: RHP Shane Baz (8-7, 4.61 ERA) Kershaw makes his first start since the trade deadline and faces a Rays lineup that has struggled to string together offense. Baz, meanwhile, will try to neutralize a top-heavy Dodgers order led by Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH • Shohei Ohtani: 38 HR, 73 RBI, .615 SLG (3rd in MLB). • Will Smith: Team-best .325 average, two-game hit streak. • Junior Caminero: 27 HR, 71 RBI (6th in MLB HR leaderboard). • Yandy Díaz: .283 AVG, 18 HR, 19 2B. RECENT FORM Dodgers last 5: W-L-W-L-L — averaging 4.3 runs, 15 HR in previous 10 games. Rays last 5: L-W-L-L-L — averaging 3.8 runs, team ERA 5.34 over last 10. HOW TO WATCH & STREAM Cord-cutters can stream the game on MLB.TV (blackout restrictions apply) or services that carry MLB Network. Local markets can also tune in via Bally Sports+ or the SportsNet LA app. BETTING LINE & PICK • Moneyline: Dodgers ‑115 | Rays ‑105 • Over/Under: 9 runs • Prediction: Rays 5, Dodgers 4 (under 9) — Tampa Bay’s right-handed power could exploit the short porch to left, and Baz has quietly posted a 2.97 ERA in his last four home outings. BOTTOM LINE “Dodgers vs Rays” searches spike whenever these 2020 World Series foes meet, and tonight’s matchup delivers playoff-level intrigue, star power and stakes. Expect heavy traffic in the early innings, a bullpen chess match late and a playoff atmosphere on Florida’s west coast.