An interleague series concludes Thursday night when the Tampa Bay Rays (32-12, 13-9 away) visit the New York Mets (21-23, 8-9 home). This could be a potential World Series preview, but the Mets will have to get it going soon. Below is my MLB pick for the Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Mets.
Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Mets Betting Pick
The Pick: Tampa Bay Rays -108
This game will be played at Citi Field at 1:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
Why Bet the Tampa Bay Rays:
✅ Tampa Bay plays well against the Mets having won five of the last six meetings.
✅ On the road, the Rays have won five of their last seven at Citi Field.
✅ New York is struggling this season and have now won just six of their last 18 games played,
Tampa Bay Rays Looking to Avoid Another Series Loss
Tampa Bay has spent the past week in New York and they will look to leave by taking four of seven. The Rays are the best team in baseball and if they can get out of this road trip with a winning record that will cement their status as serious contenders. Tampa won game one of this series, but lost in extra innings Wednesday night.
Taj Bradley is set to make his fourth career start and he will look to build off a 3.52 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 15.1 innings pitched.
Yandy Diaz is having a great season as he leads the Rays with a .321 batting average and 10 home runs. Randy Arozarena, who is tied with Diaz in home runs, leads the way with 36 RBIs.
The New York Mets Need to Stack Wins
New York had high expectations going into this season and they have not lived up to the hype. The Phillies started last season 22-29 and still made the World Series, so it’s early enough where Mets fans should not panic quite yet.
Tylor Megill will take the mound for his ninth start of the season and he will need to improve on his 4.02 ERA and 1.51 WHIP.
Pete Alonso is mashing this season and he leads the Mets with 15 home runs and 36 RBIs. Brandon Nimmo is batting a team high .299.
