Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets 5/18/23 – The New York Mets will face off against Tampa Bay Rays at Citi Field in this highly anticipated MLB contest. Both teams boast unique strengths and intriguing pitching options, making this contest exciting to follow and analyze. The pitchers taking the mound are Taj Bradley and Tylor Megill. MLB betting sites will give you insight into the latest predictions.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets
Date & Time: Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 1:10 PM ET
Location: Citi Field in Queens, NY
TV: MLBN
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets 5/18/23 Betting Odds
Rays
Moneyline: -105
Spread: -1.5 (+149)
Total: 9 over (-102)
Mets
Moneyline: -111
Spread: +1.5 (-192)
Total: 9 under (-125)
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets Analysis
The Tampa Bay Rays possess one of the most explosive offenses in baseball, leading MLB with an average of 6.2 runs per game and scoring an impressive 84 homers and 82 doubles to date. Their lineup has proven its power-hitting capabilities by amassing an impressive total of doubles. The Rays possess an impressive 0.275 team batting average, indicating their ability to consistently make contact and put runners on base. Furthermore, with their impressive slugging percentage of 0.509, they can alter a game with one bat swing.
The Rays have shown an adequate pitching staff and fielding presence on defense. Their combined ERA of 3.30 ranks second among MLB teams – reflecting how well their rotation and bullpen work. Additionally, the Rays boast a fielding percentage of 0.990, indicating their ability to consistently convert batted balls into outs. Their offensive prowess, strong pitching, and fielding units make them formidable opponents in this matchup.
Taj Bradley, an outstanding young pitcher for the Rays, will take to the mound in this game. Although still early in his MLB career, Bradley has already shown great promise by posting an impressive 3.52 ERA over 15 innings pitched. His ability to maintain control of the game, hit his spots accurately, and keep the Mets off balance will be paramount to their success.
The New York Mets have shown considerable offensive potential this season, amassing 171 runs batted in and hitting 44 home runs across their lineup. Though their current team batting average stands at 0.240, showing room for improvement, the Mets have demonstrated powerful performances, with runs being driven in at regular intervals. Their slugging percentage of 0.382 indicates that it is done so with force when they connect. However, their 4.16 run-per-game scoring average places them 23rd in the league – signaling a need for greater consistency in their approach to scoring runs per game.
Defensively, the Mets have shown impressive fielding performance. Ranked 2nd in MLB with a fielding percentage of 0.991, their ability to make routine plays and limit errors has helped their pitching staff perform at its best. Combined with their potential offensive bursts, the Mets are a formidable opponent.
Tylor Megill, a promising young pitcher for the Mets, will take to the mound in this game. Megill has already shown flashes of brilliance throughout his MLB career by amassing an impressive 181 strikeouts in 177 innings pitched – an earned run average of 4.57 shows his ability to keep opposing batters at bay. His control, ability to induce swings and misses, and overall game command are essential to the Mets’ success against the Rays’ potent offense.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets Against the Spread
Over is 5-0 in the Rays’ last 5 overall. Over is 5-0 in the Rays’ last 5 on grass. Over is 3-0-1 in the Rays’ last 4 vs. National League East. Over is 4-0 in the Rays’ last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 4-0 in the Rays’ last 4 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 5-0-1 in Megill’s last 6 starts on grass. Under is 5-0-1 in Megill’s last 6 starts overall. Under is 7-0-1 in Megills last 8 starts, with the total set at 9.0-10.5. The Mets are 4-0 in Megill’s last 4 starts during game 3 of a series. The Mets are 0-4 in their last 4 interleague games.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets Free Pick
The Tampa Bay Rays have emerged as MLB betting experts‘ favorites in this matchup, due to their explosive offense combined with solid pitching and fielding units that give them an advantage against New York Mets. Furthermore, their consistent run-scoring makes them a powerful presence that cannot be taken lightly.
Free Pick: Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+149)
