Rays vs Mets Prediction Today | MLB Odds, Picks for Tuesday, May 16
Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images. Pictured: Justin Verlander
Rays vs. Mets Odds
| Rays Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
+138 | 8.5 -115 / -105 | +1.5 -146 |
| Mets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
-164 | 8.5 -115 / -105 | -1.5 +122 |
The New York Mets are struggling, and that may be putting it nicely as they have now dropped below .500 on the season. Tonight, they'll get a chance to right the ship as they will host the hottest team in baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays.
Tampa Bay enters with a staggering 31-11 record on the season, but is due for some regression, and that could come tonight. The Rays must contend with the reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
Opposing Verlander will be a combination of arms, as the Rays will open with Jalen Beeks and have Yonny Chirinos piggyback him.
Let's take a closer look to uncover the best bet for this matchup.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have the best record in baseball, and their incredible start was due to the majority of their lineup being locked in at the dish. However, over the last week, they rank fourth in wRC+ and third over the last two weeks.
While being in the top five is nothing to scoff at, it's a sign of regression beginning for this Rays' lineup. On top of that, they will have to face Verlander, who looked to find his groove his last time out.
Verlander carried the Mets to victory by tossing seven innings of one-run ball while striking out seven. He'll take that momentum into this outing, which will be his first home start as a Met.
This is a big game early in the season for the Mets, and Verlander was brought in to win big games. Given what we've seen from him and the Rays' lineup of late, he should rise to the occasion.
New York Mets
We go from one lineup that has been tearing the cover off the ball to another that can't seem to buy a hit. The Mets' lineup has been cold through the first quarter of the season.
They enter this series opener hitting .241 as a team and have the fifth-lowest WOBACON. However, they have begun to show signs of life over the last week, and they are due for positive regression as their xBA is .252.
The Mets will have an opportunity to get on the board as the Rays' bulk starter, Chirinios, is due to be hit around. Chirinos has not missed bats as his strikeout and whiff rates rank in the first percentile among qualified pitchers.
That amount of balls put in play means that many will find holes, and the Mets' lineup is overdue to have some balls bounce their way. However, not every Met is trending in the right direction, so while they should get to Chirinos, don't expect the Rays to allow a crooked number to be put up on the scoreboard.
Rays vs. Mets Betting Pick
This is a massive matchup for the Mets, as they need to turn it around fast. Verlander is the man for the job, even against the best lineup in the American League.
They should be able to get him some support from the second to the fifth inning against Chirinos, but they are not ready to break out.
With Verlander expected to be sharp and the Rays' bullpen limiting damage, the under is the play for this matchup.
Pick: F5 Under 4.5 |
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