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MLB Underdog of the Day (Back Shane McClanahan to Stay Hot vs. First Place Yankees)

By Matt De Saro

Miami Marlins v Tampa Bay Rays
Miami Marlins v Tampa Bay Rays / Mike Ehrmann/GettyImages
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The Tampa Bay Rays are finally back home at Tropicana Field after a disastrous road trip in which they went 2-7 overall.

To make matters worse, they lost a lot of ground in the AL East race after getting swept by the Yankees and losing two of three to the Orioles last week.

Now, the Yankees make the trip south to Florida to try and keep their epic season going. Can the Rays dig in at home and pull out an underdog win for us tonight? Let’s find out. 

Here are the odds for this showdown from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Yankees vs. Rays Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

  • Yankees: +1.5 (+145)
  • Rays: +1.5 (-175)

Moneyline:

  • Yankees: -128
  • Rays: +118

Total:

  • Total 6.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Best MLB Underdog Pick Today

Some might say that betting against the Yankees this season is a fool’s errand. But, I say, so long as you pick and choose your spots, the Yankees can be a very profitable team to fade here and there. I think tonight might be one of those opportunities. 

My big worry here is Gerrit Cole making the start for New York. Cold has seen his ups and downs this year, but overall has been phenomenal with a 3.33 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. He’s also done well against the Rays this year with just one run surrendered in 12 innings spanning two starts. But, his career numbers against the current Rays lineup aren’t great. This lineup is hitting .279 against him with 20 extra-base hits in 148 at-bats. While it hasn’t been the case yet this year, Cole struggles against these guys. 

But, the real story here is the Rays’ starter, Shane McClanahan. The 25-year-old southpaw has taken a huge step forward in his sophomore year with a 1.84 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 78 ⅓ innings. Much like Cole, McClanahan has two games against the Yankees under his belt this year. In 12 combined innings, McClanahan allowed just two runs while striking out 14 and walking two.  His career batting average against the Bombers is .233 and he’s only given up two home runs to this powerhouse team. 

Cole is a potential HOF pitcher, but his 4.60 ERA on the road this year isn’t going to do him any favors. I think this is a solid spot for a rare fade of the best team in baseball.

Pick: Rays +118 ML

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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