The high stakes season series between the AL East-favorite New York Yankees and the reigning World Series champion Tampa Bay Rays will begin on Friday, with the Bronx Bombers heading to Florida.
While neither side has stormed out of the gate, with New York at 3-3 and Tampa Bay at 2-4, this weekend's series will still be a must-watch for MLB betting.
Here are our best free picks and predictions for Yankees vs. Rays on April 9, with the first pitch set for 3:10 p.m. ET.
Yankees vs Rays 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 EversonNew York landed on DraftKings' odds board as a -139 favorite Thursday night and bounced around a few cents in each direction, with a low point of -137 and a high point of -150. As of 1:30 p.m. ET, the Pinstripes are -141 on the moneyline, with ticket count and money both in the 3/1 range on the Yankees. The total opened at 8.5 (Under -118), the price moved a few cents each way and is now 8.5 (Under -113), with 57 percent of bets/56 percent of money on the Over.
Check out the full line movement for this gameYankees vs Rays betting preview
Starting pitchers
Corey Kluber (0-0, 2.25 ERA): In Kluber's first start for the Yankees, the former long-time Cleveland starter lasted four innings, giving up five hits and three walks while striking out five in a 5-3 win for New York. The two-time Cy Young award winner will make just his third start since May 1, 2019, following a long injury layoff.
Rich Hill (0-0, 9.00 ERA): The journeyman lefty went four innings as well in his season debut, allowing five hits and four runs with two walks, striking out four batters. His first start for Tampa Bay came in an odd tandem arrangement, with Hill going four innings before bowing out in favor of Chris Archer. Hill predominantly uses a fastball and a curveball, mixing in a cutter, sinker and change-up.
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our MLB weather info.
Key injuries
Yankees: Aaron Judge RF (Questionable), Luke Voit 1B (Out), Justin Wilson RP (Out), Miguel Andujar 3B (Out), Zack Britton RP (Out).
Rays: Kevin Kiermaier CF (Out), Ji-Man Choi 1B (Out), Chaz Roe RP (Out), Nick Anderson RP (Out), Oliver Drake RP (Out), Brett Phillips CF (Out).
Find our latest MLB injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Under is 7-1 in the Yankees' last eight overall. Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Rays.
Moneyline pick
The Rays are coming off a disastrous series against fellow AL East side Red Sox. Hammerings of 11-2 and 9-2 were on either side of a 6-5 heartbreaker, in which they led by a run after the top of the ninth, 11th and 12th before losing — after being a strike away from victory — due to a hit by pitch, a wild pitch and a misplayed fly ball.
Not only has the Rays' volatile pitching behind ace Tyler Glasnow struggled, but their lineup has failed to help as well. Through the first week of the season, Tampa Bay ranks in the bottom half of the league in runs per game, batting average and on-base percentage. Tampa's one saving grace at the plate has been 2020 AL ALCS MVP Randy Arozarena who, after an electrifying October last year, has started well, hitting .300.
Though the Yanks are just a game ahead of the Rays at 3-3, their early-season numbers are encouraging. At the plate, New York is in the top half of the league in runs per game, batting average and on-base percentage — reasons for optimism despite a fairly quiet start — while it boasts the lowest ERA and WHIP in the majors. Even with Aaron Judge banged up heading into this one, the Yankees should take care of business against a struggling Rays team.
PREDICTION: Yankees (-140)
Over/Under pick
The Rays' struggles at bat are evident throughout the lineup, with just two starters (Manuel Margot and Arozarena) hitting .300 or above to start the year — and both players are hitting exactly .300. Tampa sits at 5-1 O/U largely due to their opponents, as it has averaged just 3.83 runs per game to begin the year. They have left fewer runners on base than the league average, too, which suggests positive regression may not be close.
Between consistently limiting opponents to low scoring so far this season and a quiet start for the Bronx bats, it's no surprise to see New York rewarding Under bettors early. Their series finale loss to the Orioles on Wednesday, a 4-3 11-inning affair, was the first time the Yankees have allowed more than three runs this year.
New York's lineup could get going this weekend, but as it stands, we are comfortable going Under at pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field.
PREDICTION: Under 8.5 (-115)
Yankees vs Rays betting card
- Yankees (-140)
- Under 8.5 (-115)
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s MLB Yankees vs. Rays picks, you could win $22.05 on a $10 bet?
Use our MLB parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on MLB odds?
You can bet on MLB odds at every online and casino sportsbook, including MLB moneylines, runlines, Over/Under totals, and a ton of MLB prop odds. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on MLB odds in your area.
