The Chicago White Sox head to Yankee Stadium to take on the New York Yankees in a weekend series between the betting favorites to win this year’s American League Pennant.
The White Sox sit atop the AL Central, having won 10 of their last 13 ball games, while the Yankees have won nine of their last 12 to climb within a game of the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox.
So, who strikes first in this exciting series? Check out our MLB free picks and predictions for White Sox vs. Yankees on Friday, May 21, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
White Sox vs Yankees game info
• Location: Yankee Stadium, New York City, NY
• Date: Friday, May 21, 2021
• Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
• TV: WPIX
White Sox vs Yankees odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Compare MLB odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
MLB Sharp Money and Line Movement Report
By Patrick EversonFanDuel opened Chicago a -112 favorite to New York's -104 Thursday night, flipped as far as New York -118 a couple of times, and the Yankees are again -118 as of 4:45 p.m. ET. However, moneyline ticket count is running 2/1 and moneyline cash 3/1 on the White Sox. The total fell from 8.5 to 8 a few times and is now 8.5 (Under -120), with 62 percent of bets/66 percent of money on the Over.
Check out the full line movement for this gameWhite Sox vs Yankees betting preview
Starting pitchers
Carlos Rodon (5-1, 1.47 ERA): Rodon finally had a bad game after his incredible start to the season. The lefty allowed four runs on eight hits last time out against the Royals. Prior to that though, Rodon had a 0.58 ERA and was limiting opponents to a .114 batting average. However, the Yankees lineup will be the toughest he has faced all season.
Jordan Montgomery (2-1, 4.75 ERA): Montgomery has been solid if unspectacular for the Yankees this season, but his streak of two straight quality starts came to end last time out when he allowed five runs on six hits to the Orioles. It was his shortest start of the season, getting through just three innings.
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our MLB weather info.
Key injuries
White Sox: Jose Abreu 1B (Questionable), Luis Robert RF (Out), Eloy Jiminez LF (Out), Jace Fry RP (Out).
Yankees: Clint Frazier LF (Questionable), Giancarlo Stanton DH (Out), Aaron Hicks CF (Out), Zack Britton RP (Out), Darren O'Day RP (Out).
Find our latest MLB injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Over is 4-1 in the White Sox's last five road games and 5-2 in the Yankees' last seven games overall. Find more MLB betting trends for White Sox vs. Yankees.
Moneyline pick
The White Sox are coming off a series win over the Minnesota Twins where they showed why they are so good: because they can beat you in so many different ways.
They won one game 2-1 behind the strength of starting pitching and a solid bullpen, and won another game by slugging their way to a 16-4 final. And you could see a combination of both in this game.
Rodon has been a great story for the White Sox this season, coming back on a one-year deal, and has pitched his heart out at this point. While the Yankees lineup will be his toughest task to date, they are inconsistent and banged up.
The weirdest Yankees stat this season is that while they are ninth in home runs, but rank 22nd in scoring, plating just 4.0 runs per game. Rodon has allowed just two home runs in 36 2-3 innings this season.
Meanwhile, even though Montgomery has shown some good stuff at times this season, his sinker doesn’t sink too often and can get hit hard. Now, he faces a White Sox team that leads the MLB in scoring and is third in average and OPS.
You are getting a good price with the White Sox in this one. They have the better starter and a much more consistent offense. Feel confident backing the Pale Hose in Game 1 of this series.
PREDICTION: White Sox (-115)
Over/Under pick
When it comes to the total, 8.5 has us looking at the Over. For starters, these teams combine to score 9.52 runs per game and there is reason to believe they can get there in this one.
While Rodon has looked nearly unhittable, the best offense he has faced this season has been the Kansas City Royals, who rank 18th in scoring and 17th in average. On top of that, the Yanks fare much better against left-handed pitching this season.
But do you know who really crushes lefties? That’s right. The White Sox. Chicago ranks first in the MLB in batting average (.297) and OPS (.862) when it comes to facing southpaws. Bet this one to get Over the number.
PREDICTION: Over 8.5 (-110)
White Sox vs Yankees betting card
- White Sox (-115)
- Over 8.5 (-110)
Picks made on 5/20/2021 at 11:45 p.m. ET
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