Free MLB Picks Today: New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays 5/13/23

Shane McClanahan, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays (30-10) as they face off against the New York Yankees (22-18) at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

The Yankees evened up the series 1-1 after winning 6-5 on Friday, their second head-to-head victory in five games this season. Reliever Clay Holmes was credited with the win after throwing 0.2 scoreless innings, and Wandy Peralta earned his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

Anthony Rizzo’s on-base streak is now at 11 games as he went 2 for 4 with two home runs and three RBIs in the win. Anthony Volpe added a home run and two RBIs. Randy Arozarena was 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Rays. Josh Lowe added a home run and three RBIs.

ON THE MOUND

McClanahan (7-0, 1.76 ERA) is in line to get the start for Tampa Bay. The southpaw is tied for the MLB lead in wins. He also ranks third in the AL in ERA and fifth in strikeouts (58).

McClanahan threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 3-0 home win over the Orioles on Monday. He was credited with the win, scattering four hits while striking out seven and walking four.McClanahan is making his first appearance against the Yankees this season.

Over three starts against the Yankees in 2022, McClanahan was 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA over 18 innings. He had 22 strikeouts and three walks.LHP Nestor Cortes (3-2, 4.74 ERA) is on the mound for New York.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rays. Cortes made four appearances against the Rays in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 15 and walking four over 24.2 innings (2-2, 3.28).

In his last start on Monday, Cortes took a no-decision at home against the Athletics. He threw five innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out four and walking two in the 7-2 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Tampa Bay has averaged only 3.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 6.1, while performing worse across the board (.260/.340/.434). Against lefties like Cortes this season, the Rays have a .923 OPS, highest in the league.

Isaac Paredes is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .923 OPS in 29 at-bats. New York is averaging 7.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.4 for the season, with a better slash line (.266/.333/.557). The Yanks have a .735 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a .949 OPS over 35 at-bats, Rizzo has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Tampa Bay is 11-7 away from Tropicana Field in 2023, scoring 6.2 runs per game while allowing 3.7 runs. New York has gone 15-9 at Yankee Stadium this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.5. New York is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Yankee Stadium between the AL East rivals with an average scoreline of 4.5-4.2.