Expert prediction
MLB: Yankees vs Rays Odds, and Picks (May 5)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Yankees defeated the Guardians, 4-3, on Wednesday.
- Tampa Bay swept the Pirates, winning the final game 3-2.
- New York is 253-189 in their all-time history against the Rays.
The Yankees (17-15) and the Rays (26-6) will meet for a crucial AL East matchup. New York has slid to last place in the division, while Tampa Bay continues to play fantastic baseball. Both teams have much to gain.
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How to Watch
- Where: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
- When: Friday, May 5, 2023, at 6:40 p.m ET
- How to Watch: YES
Game Preview
New York snapped their 4-game losing streak against the Guardians, winning the final two games of the series. It’s been a disappointing start to the season for the Yankees, who currently sit in last place in the AL East at 17-15, a record that would be just 0.5 games out of 1st place in the AL Central. New York has gone 5-8 over the last 2 weeks, and needs to avoid being swept by the 1st place Rays. This series is key.
The Rays continue to just dominate their schedule, having now won 6 of their last 7 games. They currently hold a 4-game lead over the 2nd-best team in the entire MLB. Their 96 runs allowed far surpasses the 2nd place Cubs at 114, and their 210 runs scored easily clears the 2nd place Rangers at 191. Tampa Bay’s +114 run differential is just one indicator of how stellar they’ve played. They can make a statement in this series.
Prediction
Tampa Bay is already 9 games ahead of New York just a month into the season, with an opportunity to increase that gap even further in this series. Not only do they have home-field advantage, where they hold a 17-2 record, but the Rays also have the ideal pitching matchup. Yankees rookie Jhony Brito (5.56 ERA) has really struggled lately, and will have to face Yonny Chirinos (0.64 ERA) in this game. I’ll take Tampa Bay.
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