Rays vs Yankees Prediction 5/22/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Rays vs Yankees prediction for this MLB game on Friday, May 22nd at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays are 33-15 this year after they won all three against the Orioles by scores of 16-6, 4-1, and 5-3. In game three, Tampa Bay trailed 3-1 in the sixth inning, but they scored four runs in the eighth to escape with the win. The Rays recorded six hits in the game and they were led by Aranda, who went 1-3 with two RBIs. Matz allowed three hits and one earned run over 4.0 innings, while Scholtens picked up the win and Seymour got the save. Prior to that series, Tampa Bay won two out of three against the Marlins and two out of three against the Blue Jays. 

This season, Tampa Bay has a 3.57 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP and a .225 opponent batting average, while they have scored 232 runs with a .261 batting average and a .335 on base percentage. Jonathan Aranda has led the Rays with eight home runs and 37 RBIs, while Yandy Diaz has added eight home runs and 33 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Tampa Bay is Nick Martinez, who is 4-1 with a 1.51 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP over 53.2 innings pitched this year. 

New York Yankees Betting Preview

The New York Yankees are 30-21 this season after they split four games with the Blue Jays by sores of 7-6, 5-4, 1-2, and 0-2. In game four, New York allowed one run in the first inning and never woke up at the plate for the shutout loss. The Yankees recorded three hits in the game and they were led by Jones, who went 1-3. Rodon allowed three hits and one earned run over 5.0 innings for the loss, while Doval allowed one earned run in relief. Prior to that series, New York lost two out of three against the Mets and two out of three against the Orioles. 

This season, New York has a 3.31 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP and a .223 opponent batting average, while they have scored 250 runs with a .233 batting average and a .328 on base percentage. Aaron Judge has led the Yankees with 16 home runs and 30 RBIs, while Ben Rice has added 16 home runs and 33 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for New York is Gerrit Cole, who is making his first appearance of the season. 

Why the New York Yankees will win

• The Rays have lost each of their last six road games against AL East opponents that held a winning record.
• The home team has won each of the Rays’ last four games.
• The Rays have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four night games at Yankee Stadium following a win.
• The Yankees have covered the run line in each of their last four night games against the Rays at Yankee Stadium following a loss.
• The Yankees have led after 5 innings in six of their last seven games at Yankee Stadium against AL East opponents that held a winning record.

Why the Tampa Bay Rays will win

• The Rays have won each of their last 10 night games following a home win.
• The Yankees have lost each of their last three games as favorites against the Rays following a loss.
• The Rays have covered the run line in 13 of their last 14 games against American League opponents following a home win.
• The Yankees have failed to cover the run line in nine of their last 10 games as favorites after playing the previous day.

Total Runs Facts

• Four of the Rays’ last five night games against American League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Three of the Yankees’ last four games as favorites against the Rays have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Rays’ last five night games against AL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Yankees’ last nine home games.

New York Yankees Player Prop Facts

• Gerrit Cole has recorded five or more strikeouts in 22 of his 23 previous appearances with his team as a favorite against the Rays.
• Aaron Judge has recorded two or more hits in each of the Yankees’ last five games at Yankee Stadium against opponents that held a winning record.
• Anthony Volpe has hit a home run in two of the Yankees’ last three home games against the Rays.
• Gerrit Cole has recorded a win in each of his last three appearances against the Rays.

Tampa Bay Rays Player Prop Facts

• Yandy Diaz has hit a home run in two of the Rays’ last three night games.
• Taylor Walls has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine road appearances against AL East opponents that held a winning record.

Rays vs Yankees Prediction 

New York comes into this matchup looking to snap a two game losing streak and they have scored a total of one run in those two losses. The Yankees are 16-8 at home this year, while the Rays are 14-10 on the road. Tampa Bay has won four games in a row and they have scored 31 runs during that span. The Rays are starting Martinez, who has allowed one earned run or fewer in five straight starts, while Cole is making his first start of the season due to injury. Tampa Bay is red hot right now and Martinez is pitching at an elite level, so give me the Rays here.

David Racey's Pick: Rays ML