New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays: MLB Over/Under Picks
New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays (Game 1)
Over/Under: 6
First pitch: 2:10 p.m. ET
Probable pitchers: Gerrit Cole (3-0, 2.55 ERA) vs. Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 3.12 ERA)
New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays (Game 1) Predictions
The arrival of Cole in the Bronx couldn’t have begun any smoother (well, except for maybe the no fans thing) through three starts.
The perennial American League Cy Young candidate was victorious in each of his first three assignments while displaying all the usual tools that have him considered as maybe the best pitcher in baseball.
Can he keep it going against the division rival Rays? Based on his most recent work with this opponent, the answer may most likely be yes. Cole squared off opposite Tampa last year in the playoffs (including once vs Glasnow) and absolutely dominated, pitching into the eighth or deeper both times and allowing only one total run. He also notched a whopping 25 strikeouts in those 15.1 innings compared to only three walks.
So it would appear Cole can be leaned upon to provide one of his trademark gems. That’s even more important regarding a game consisting of only seven innings, as is the case these days for this opening contest of a doubleheader.
The same reasoning can be applied for Glasnow. Yes, the electric right-hander hasn’t pitched beyond the fifth inning yet. That’s not going to continue, though, as he should begin to go to deeper in games, and in this instance, he can effectively eat up the majority of it. Also, behind him is one of the best bullpens around, too.
When he took on the Yankees last season, Glasnow shined as usual, punching out nine in five-plus innings. While New York is obviously dangerous at the plate, the lineup is still striking out at a decent rate.
Offense will be hard to come by with two starters capable of being overpowering for most of the game. With overpowering bullpens waiting in the wings, there doesn’t figure to be much scoring at all.
The total for this game has dropped down to 5.5 in the majority of spots — and perhaps understandably so. I advise shopping around for those still hanging a 6 on the board, even with that extra juice.
Saturday MLB Leans
LEAN: ARI/SD Under 7.5
2020 MLB Over/Under Betting Record*: 4-9-2, -6.18 units
Yesterday’s Result: Reds-Brewers Under 8.5 (loss)
*Each bet graded as if it were to win 1 unit