The Boston Red Sox (6-13) and New York Yankees (12-6) begin a four-game wraparound series Friday at Yankee Stadium at 7:05 p.m. ET. We analyze the Red Sox-Yankees MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Thursday: Boston lost 17-8, dropping a fourth in a row – all at home to the Tampa Bay Rays. New York had the day off after taking two straight from the Atlanta Braves at home.
Red Sox at Yankees: Projected starting pitchers
“Bullpen game” vs. RHP Gerrit Cole
Manager Ron Roenicke said the Red Sox will go the opener route in this one.
- 2020: Boston is 0-3 when starting a reliever this season
- 24 runs allowed: The Red Sox lost those bullpen games 7-4, 9-7 and 8-7
Cole this season: 3-0, 3.22 ERA (8 ER, 22 1/3 IP), 26 K in 4 starts
- Last start: No decision, 3 ER, 4 2/3 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 10 K at Rays last Saturday – Yankees won 8-4
- 2019 vs. Red Sox: 0-0, 0.00 ERA (0 ER, 5 IP), 7 K, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 start – Houston Astros won 3-1
- Career vs. Red Sox: 2-1, 3.60 (12 ER, 30 IP), 31 K in 5 starts
Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!
Red Sox at Yankees: Key injuries
(Get the latest injury news here.)
Red Sox
- OF Andrew Benintendi (ribs) out
- SS Xander Bogaerts (lower body) probable
- RP Darwinzon Hernandez (COVID-19 recovery) out
- 2B Dustin Pedroia (knee) out
- 2B/SS Jose Peraza (leg) doubtful
- RP Josh Taylor (COVID-19 recovery) questionable
Yankees
- RP Aroldis Chapman (COVID-19 recovery) out
- RF Aaron Judge (lower body) questionable
- RP Tommy Kahnle (Tommy John surgery) out
- OF/DH Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring) out
Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
Red Sox at Yankees: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Yankees 9, Red Sox 2
Moneyline (ML)
The Yankees (-334) are huge favorites – as they should be vs. the Red Sox (+275). Not only is Cole one victory shy of becoming the sixth pitcher in major-league history to win 20 consecutive decisions; he also has made 26 starts in a row without a loss, which is the fifth-longest streak in MLB history.
Additionally, New York has won the last six vs. Boston and is 11-1 in the past 12 head-to-head meetings. But I can’t justify suggesting laying that kind of chalk. I’ll focus on the run line below.
New to sports betting? It would take a $3.35 bet on the Yankees ML just to win $1.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The YANKEES (-1.5, -167) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They beat the Red Sox (+1.5, +140) 5-1, 5-2 and 9-7 in a three-game sweep in the Bronx just two weekends ago. With Cole toeing the rubber, there’s no reason to think New York won’t cover the RL again.
Plus, the Yankees lead the majors with a 13-5 RL record.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 9 (-110) is worth a small-unit wager, especially because the Under 9 is also (-110). Boston’s bullpen sports an ugly 4.94 ERA, ranking 22nd in the majors – and 13th in the AL. However, Cole could shut out the Red Sox, and the Yankees are only 3-2-2 O/U at home this season.
Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.
| Johnny’s 2020 MLB record | 20-14 |
| 2020 overall record | 60-40-1 |
| Strongest plays | 32-16 |
Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]