Rays vs. Yankees odds, line, prediction: 2026 MLB picks for Friday, May 22, from proven model in Gerrit Cole's return

Gerrit Cole will make his 2026 season debut when the New York Yankees battle the American League East Division-rival Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. The former Cy Young Award winner is returning after having Tommy John surgery and New York is hoping to limit his pitch count to around 85 to 90 pitches. The Rays (33-15), who lead the AL East and have won four games in a row, are 14-10 on the road this season. The Yankees (30-21), who are second in the division, are 16-8 on their home field in 2026.

First pitch from Yankee Stadium is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. The Yankees lead the all-time series 274-210, and have won five of the last eight meetings. New York is a -157 favorite on the money line (risk $157 to win $100) in the latest Rays vs. Yankees odds, while the over/under, is 8. 

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