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Yankees vs Rays Prediction, Picks and MLB Prop Bets for April 18: Take N.Y. to Cover As Road Favorite
- Bet on the Yankees +1.5 (-215) as the slight road underdog.
- Wager on Ben Rice to have 2+ total bases (+129) in the MLB bets.
- Make bank with our 2025 MLB picks! Join with our promo code HUDDLE125.
Yankees vs Rays MLB Odds Today
After Thursday’s game was listed by the MLB lines today as a pick’em with the Yankees winning 6-3, the matchup on Friday is approaching the same status.
No team in the MLB has failed to deliver on the run line at home more than the Rays this season. Tampa Bay comes in at +184 on the -1.5 run line with -104 odds to win outright. Take a look at the Yankees at -106 to pick up the victory. Keep an eye on the MLB home run props as well.
An attractive MLB futures bet has the Yankees behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers at +850 in the odds of winning the World Series. Tampa Bay is at +4000 in the championship odds.
Yankees vs Rays Prediction Today, April 18, 2025
My prediction
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Run Line Pick: New York Yankees +1.5 (-215)
The New York Yankees have not faced Tampa Bay’s probable starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen since 2023, when Rasmussen allowed four hits and no runs with 13 strikeouts in 12⅔ innings during a pair of starts in less than a week.
Drew Rasmussen’s 6th and 7th Ks…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/yRY2Rc8SxV
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 12, 2025
The Yankees scored six times in the series opener despite going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Go with the Yankees to win again when it comes to making MLB expert picks.
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Over/Under Pick: Yankees vs Rays Under 8.5 Runs (-115)
Rasmussen has looked like one of the best pitchers in the majors this season. He has allowed nine hits and one run in 15 innings. After a strong start in his 2025 opener, it has been more of a grind for Carlos Rodon with four home runs allowed and 10 walks issued in his last three starts.
While two of the last 10 matchups between the Yankees and the Rays landed under the sports betting odds total, go with the game going under 8.5 runs when making MLB game picks.
Bet on Yankees vs Rays Under 8.5 Runs
Yankees vs Rays Prop Picks and Best Bets
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Ben Rice 2+ Total Bases (+129)
Ben Rice continues to come through for the Yankees whether he is hitting in the No. 1 or 2 spots. He had four hits with a double and two RBIs in the series opener as he has yet to go without a hit in back-to-back games this season.
BEN RICE IS 4-FOR-4 pic.twitter.com/oY9XDruAEq
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 18, 2025
He is hitting .395 with seven extra-base hits against right-handed pitchers this season.
Take a look at the +129 MLB player prop picks for Rice to have at least two total bases from hits.
Bet on Ben Rice to have 2+ Total Bases (+129)
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Jake Mangum 1+ Runs + RBIs (+131)
What a great story Jake Mangum is for the Rays. After spending five seasons in the minor leagues, the 29-year-old rookie outfielder is thriving for the Rays with a .345 batting average.
In four games against American League East teams, Mangum is 7 for 13. He could be a solid option to make MLB news today at +131 to have 1+ runs + RBIs.
Bet on Jake Mangum to have 1+ Runs + RBIs (+131)
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NRFI (-121)
Yankees probable starter Carlos Carrasco has two runs in the first inning in his first three starts of the season. Drew Rasmussen of the Rays has surrendered two hits and no runs in the first inning of his three starts. It is a tough call. Even though the teams have combined to score 31 runs in the first inning this season. I like the game to be scoreless heading into the second inning on Friday.
Yankees vs Rays How to Watch
- Game: Yankees (12-7) vs Rays (8-11)
- Date/Time: April 18, 7:05 p.m. ET
- Location: George Steinbrenner Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
- Yankees vs Rays Live Stream: MLB.tv
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Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets
