The top two teams in the AL East - the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays - start a crucial three-game series when the teams collide on Friday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Once up by 15½ games in the division, the struggling Yankees (83-55) now lead the Rays (77-58) by just 4½ games. This is the last series scheduled between the teams this season. 

Both teams are listed at -110 in the latest Yankees vs. Rays odds from Caesars Sportsbook, and the over/under for runs scored is 7. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. The game is one of 15 on the MLB schedule for Friday. (See up-to-date lines for every game on our MLB odds page.)

Before making any MLB picks or parlays, be sure to see the predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, and it is 311-271 on top-rated MLB money-line picks since the start of the 2021 season. This is the same model that pegged the 2021 Atlanta Braves at 10-1 as one of three best bets to win the World Series. Anybody who has followed the model has seen profitable returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on the MLB schedule for Friday, Sept. 9, and has generated a three-leg parlay that would pay more than 8-1! The parlay doesn't start until 7:05 p.m. ET, giving you plenty of time to make your MLB picks.

We can tell you that one of the picks is the Red Sox (+100) to beat the Orioles. But the model has two other picks, including a play on an even bigger AL underdog! You ABSOLUTELY need to see them before locking in any MLB picks of your own.

So which AL underdog is a MUST-BACK? And what other teams do you need to include in your parlay for a payout of more than 8-1? ... Join SportsLine right now to find out which picks you should be all over on Friday, all from the model that is on a 311-271 run on top-rated MLB money-line picks since the start of 2021!