White Sox vs. Rays Prediction and Odds for Friday, June 3 (McClanahan Continues Emergence vs. Chicago)

The 23-26 Chicago White Sox bring a three-game losing streak into Tampa Bay tonight as they open a series with the 30-21 Rays at 7:10 PM EST.

Cy Young candidate Shane McClanahan starts for the Rays in the midst of an incredible stretch, allowing just two runs over his last four starts spanning 26 innings.

Vince Velasquez gets the nod for Chicago after throwing three scoreless innings in relief in his last appearance. He has a 5.79 ERA as a starter though, taking a loss to Tampa Bay back in April.

Can McClanahan continue his emergence as an elite starter or will Velasquez help Chicago snap out of their skid?

Let's take a peak at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to help find the value in this White Sox vs Rays matchup:

White Sox vs Rays Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• White Sox +1.5 (-125)
• Rays -1.5 (+105)

Moneyline:

• White Sox: +180
• Rays: -200

Total:

• 7.0 (Over -120/Under +100)

White Sox vs Rays Prediction and Pick

If you're unfamiliar with Rays phenom Shane McClanahan, who has the second-best odds to win the American League Cy Young (+500) over at WynnBET, allow me to introduce you:

That's MVP-favorite Aaron Judge he's striking out by the way, but Judge is hardly alone in his struggles hitting McClanahan. The second-year lefty has an obscene 81 strikeouts in 58.1 innings, ranking in the 98th percentile in strikeout percentage, as he uses an incredible combination of velocity and movement to constantly fool batters.

Pick any stat you want and McClanahan is near the top of the leaderboard. He has an advantage over nearly any opposing starting pitcher, but that advantage will be particularly mammoth today against Vince Velasquez. Take a look at their MLB Statcast pitching profiles and try not to giggle. First, McClanahan:

Yeah, truly absurd stuff. How about Velasquez?

At least Velasquez has him beat at fastball spin! Seriously though, this is a laughable gap in performance. It's like they're playing Super Smash Bros. and McClanahan just picked up the hammer. He's super-charged and powerful and while Velasquez can try to escape, it's inevitable that McClanahan will smash everyone around him into smithereens in glorious victory.

The Rays have won six straight starts by McClanahan and their opponent hasn't scored more than three runs once. They've won five of six as home favorites and should make it six of seven today.

I'll back Tampa on the run line but also take the White Sox team total under 3.0 (-130). It's a low number but McClanahan is 5-1-1 against that line in his last seven starts. The dude is that good.

Pick: Rays -1.5 (+105) and White Sox Team Total Under 3 (-130)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.