Yankees vs. Rays Prediction and Odds for Friday, May 27 (New York a Good Bet to Extend Lead in AL East)

The New York Yankees stumbled a bit last week by losing three games in a row, two to the Chicago White Sox and one to the Baltimore Orioles.

While not a huge deal, it is significant for the “best team in baseball” to go on a losing streak against such weak opponents.

Tonight, the Yankees don’t have the luxury of playing a weak team with Tampa Bay on the schedule. The Tampa Bay Rays currently occupy the second-place spot in the AL East behind the Yankees. Even with the Toronto Blue Jays and recent Boston Red Sox resurgence, I still believe they are the only team with a chance to challenge New York or the division despite trailing by 5.5 games.

Can they pick up a game tonight or will the Bombers extend their lead? 

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Yankees vs. Rays Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

• Yankees: +1.5 (-195)
• Rays: -1.5 (-160)

Moneyline:

• Yankees: +100
• Rays: -120

Total:

• Total 7.5 (Over -+100/Under -120)

Yankees vs. Rays Prediction and Pick

Even as a slight favorite, the Rays have an uphill battle tonight if they hope to steal a game from the Yankees here.

A big part of that is Jameson Taillon and his recent performance on the mound. He enters with a 4-1 record, 2.95 ERA, and 1.15 WHIP over 42 ⅔ innings. Taillon hasn’t given up more than three runs in any start this year and allowed just one in his last start against the White Sox.

One issue. He hasn’t pitched against the hardest competition. Taillon faced the Orioles three times already this year, but, he also faced the Blue Jays three times and was no worse for the wear. The Rays might be the best lineup he’s faced so far, but they are not exactly raking at the plate. 

Jeffery Springs gets the start for the Rays in what will be his fifth start of the year. Springs has worked primarily out of the bullpen with a total of 27 ⅓ innings pitched in 12 appearances. He enters Friday with a 2-1 record, 1.32 ERA, and 0.80 WHIP. And while those numbers are impressive, he usually pitches two innings or less and I am not sold on his ability to transition to a starter. 

The Yankees with Taillon have great odds to extend their lead in the AL East and I think they get it done against Springs and the Rays. 

Pick: Yankees +100 ML

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE