MLB Picks July 31: Rays Host Yankees in Featured Game

With just two months remaining in the MLB season, there are more than ten teams with a legitimate shot at earning a wild card berth. Every game and season becomes more and more important moving forward. We’ll take a look at five games for July 31 with the Yankees hosting the Rays as the featured game.

Tampa Bay Rays versus New York Yankees

When was the last time the Yankees were in last place in late July? That’s the scenario this season, however, it’s a bit misleading since all teams in the AL East have winning records. Still in the mix for the playoffs, the Yankees look to take down the Rays, who have stumbled, losing eight of their last ten to drop to 2nd in the division. New York is “average up” and 4-2 over their last six. The Score Predictor sees the Rays getting out of their funk in this one and head-to-head have won four of the seven games between the teams this season. Both teams have been consistently performing according to their favorite/underdog status. The line is not yet out on this one, but I like the Yankees at home in a slugfest.

Cleveland Guardians versus Houston Astros

Cleveland is five back in the wild-card race but on the heels of the Twins in the AL Central for first place. Houston is on top in the wild-card race and has a good chance at overtaking the Rangers in the AL West. Cleveland is “burning hot” versus “average” but the Astros have the clear advantage on the Power Ranks Indicator. Cleveland took two of three games between the teams earlier this season by a combined score of 19-15. This is the time of the year that the cream of the crop begin to rise. We know that the Astros are there, but what about the Guardians? They have been to the playoffs in five of the last seven years. They will be in the mix come season’s end. In this one, I like the Astros at home. The Score Predictor sees 11 runs total with 55 percent confidence. I like the “over” in this one.

Boston Red Sox versus Seattle Mariners

Both teams are “burning hot” and despite fourth in their respective divisions, are above .500 and could get back into the playoff picture. Boston won two of three between the teams this season with each game resulting in a blowout win. If you expect close, nail-biting drama, this game is likely not for you. The Score Predictor likes the Red Sox by four runs with 50 percent confidence. Seattle had a considerable edge on the Power Ranks Indicator less than a week ago, but the recent surge from the Red Sox has changed the tide. Boston is above .500 on the road and really by a toss of the coin, I go with them in a game “over” the line.

Philadelphia Phillies versus Miami Marlins

The defending NL champions are heating up at the right time and are now in the thick of the playoff race. They head to Miami where they have struggled in recent years. Miami has won four of the six games between the teams this season, but are just 2-4 over their last six games. If the Score Predictor is right (picking the Phillies by a 10-2 margin), the Phillies will turn things around against their divisional foe.  The Power Ranks Indicator has the Phillies with a +18 to +11 edge. You’re better off avoiding the over/under bet with the teams trending in games on opposite sides of the line. The Phillies are playing well at the right time and will end their skid against the Marlins in this one.

Baltimore Orioles versus Toronto Blue Jays

Anyone thought the Orioles would be on top of the AL East at the end of July? I didn’t either, despite clearly showing improvement the past couple of seasons. They try to keep hold of first place as they head to Toronto, a team they have owned this year, winning five of six. Both teams are 3-3 over their last six games and “average down” versus “average” on the Team Volatility Oscillator. The Orioles are riding high at the top of the league on the Power Ranks Indicator. I see them continuing their dominance over the Blue Jays, but see a pitcher’s duel in the process. Go with the Orioles and a game “under” the line.

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