The set-up: Giancarlo Stanton is finally being activated from the IL for the Yanks in the opener of this three-game series and I believe the slugger will pay immediate dividends for the Yanks. Edwin Encarnacion was 0 for 4 for New York yesterday, but with that awkward debut out of the way, he should settle down here as well. The Evil Empire is getting healthier and I expect that momentum to translate into a solid victory tonight. The home side hands the ball to the surging JA Happ, while the visitors counter with Ryne Stanek.

The pitchers: Stanek (0-1, 2.45 ERA) is being forced into a starters roll out of necessity, a position in which he's been pretty pedestrian in (note that he has a 4.60 ERA in 15 appearances vs. the Yanks.)

Happ (6-3, 4.66) is starting on four days rest here as he tries to post a sixth straight win, going 5-0 with a 4.38 ERA over his last seven starts.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but despite their early great play the Rays are still a money-burning 12-12 (-2.6 units) this season vs. clubs with winning records. Conversely note that New York is 17-9 (+8.3 units) in the same position. Lay the price with confidence.

NY Yankees

10* play