American League East rivals renew hostilities when the New York Yankees play host to the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a three-game series.
While the Yankees sit atop the AL East standings, the Rays are just 2.5 games back and would love to cut into that deficit. However, if the Rays want to start that tonight, they’ll have to do it as underdogs as the MLB odds have them at roughly +140 for this matchup.
Check out our latest MLB picks in my Rays vs. Yankees predictions for Friday, April 19.
Rays vs Yankees prediction
My best bet
Amed Rosario Over 0.5 RBIs (+240 at bet365)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
The New York Yankees were able to salvage their latest series with the Toronto Blue Jays, stealing a win in the ninth inning on Wednesday to avoid the sweep. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays split a four-game series at the Trop against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Yanks clearly didn’t bring their bats to Toronto, but there is a Rays player who not only has his hitting shoes on, but is vibing so much at the plate that they look like OG Jordan 1s.
Shortstop Amed Rosario feels like another classic Rays reclamation project following a season split between the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Rosario has been locked in early on this season, hitting .339 with a .882 OPS, and he’s gone nuclear down the stretch. The Rays’ shortstop is currently in the midst of an eight-game hitting streak where he owns a .400 batting average and a 1.057 OPS. Rosario has also driven in seven runs during that period and now gets to dig in against shaky Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt.
The right-hander pitched to a 4.64 ERA in 2023, and so far in 2024, he ranks in the 52nd percentile in expected ERA and the 60th percentile in opponent expected batting average. Rosario is 2-6 with a home run in his career vs. Schmidt, good for a .403 xBA and a .736 xSLG.
On top of that, the shortstop's success has moved him up to third in the batting order. Rosario has driven in runs in five of his last six games, and I'm backing him to plate another run tonight.
Rays vs Yankees same-game parlay (SGP)
Amed Rosario Over 0.5 RBIs
Juan Soto Over 0.5 RBIs
Over 8.5
Rosario isn’t the only player I like to have a big day at this dish. For my money, Juan Soto looks like the best acquisition any team made this offseason. The Yankees outfielder is hitting .352 with a 1.052 OPS so far, and he’s boosted those numbers to .395 and 1.249 over the last 11 games.
Soto has collected 13 RBIs over that stretch, and I expect him to mash against Rays starter Tyler Alexander. The Yanks superstar is off to a tear against southpaw pitching, hitting lefties to the tune of a .417 average and a 1.208 OPS.
Taking the full game Over will be the cherry on top for this SGP. Alexander ranks in just the 40th percentile in xERA and 48th in opponent xBA, and he’ll also hand the ball off to a struggling Rays bullpen that ranks dead last in xFIP.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rays vs Yankees odds
Rays vs Yankees live odds
Rays vs Yankees opening odds
- Run line: Tampa Bay +1.5 -150 | New York -1.5 +125
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay +125 | New York -150
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Rays vs Yankees spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Yankees opened this AL East matchup as -150 home favorites but that hasn't scared away early bettors, with the line sitting at New York -175 depending on the sportsbook.
- This is the first time these two teams have met this season. The Rays got the better of the Yanks last season, taking eight of the 13 matchups.
- The total hit the board at 8.5 and that's where it remains as of early Friday afternoon.
- The Over went 9-4 when these two teams played last season.
Rays vs Yankees trend
The Rays have hit the team total Over in 23 of their last 31 away games for +13.85 Units and a 37% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Rays vs. Yankees
Rays vs Yankees game info
| Location: | Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY |
| Date: | Friday, 4-19-2024 |
| First pitch: | 7:05 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BSSUN, YES |
| Rays starting pitcher: | Tyler Alexander (1-0, 6.46 ERA) |
| Yankees starting pitcher: | Clarke Schmidt (1-0, 3.68 ERA) |
Rays vs Yankees latest injuries
Rays vs Yankees weather
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