Rays vs. Mets Tuesday MLB probable pitchers, odds: Justin Verlander to finally make Citi Field home debut for New York

It's a possible World Series preview tonight as the MLB-best Tampa Bay Rays visit the New York Mets, who haven't looked World Series-worthy yet but are too talented to keep struggling with the highest payroll in the majors. Tonight also will mark the home debut of Mets right-hander Justin Verlander, who had been kept away from the Citi Field mound by injury. New York is -160 at Caesars Sportsbook and Verlander is -102 to be credited with a win.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner suffered a teres major muscle strain on the eve of the regular season and opened the year on the injured list. His Mets debut came on May 4 in Detroit, and Verlander (1-1, 2.25 ERA) pitched well in allowing two runs over five in a loss. He was better last Wednesday in a 2-1 win at Cincinnati, allowing one run and two hits over seven. Verlander retired 18 of the final 19 batters he faced.

Tonight will be Verlander's third career start at Citi Field. He is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in Queens and pitched there last June, shutting out the Mets over eight innings on two hits and one walk in a 2-0 Astros victory. Verlander is 10-4 with a 3.17 ERA in 133.1 innings against Tampa Bay, but hasn't faced the Rays since August 2019 in Houston.

Verlander has over/under totals of 6.5 strikeouts (Over -158 favorite), 4.5 hits (Over -141 favorite), 2.5 earned runs (Under -161 favorite) and 1.5 walks (Under -131 favorite)

Since taking two of three at the Dodgers in mid-April, the Mets haven't won a series. New York had lost 15 of 21 since a 14-7 start and is 0-5-2 in its past seven series. It is behind rebuilding Washington in the NL East. The Mets have played a road-heavy schedule so far.

Tampa Bay has the majors' best record at 31-11 but is 2-4 in its past six games. The team has been in New York since last Thursday when it opened a four-game set at the Yankees, which the Rays split.

The Rays could be without their best hitter tonight in Yandy Diaz (.321, 10 HRs, 24 RBI). He left Sunday's game against the Yankees with left groin tightness that has been bothering him for a spell. Diaz did extend his hitting streak to 12 games before leaving. An MRI was negative, but he still may need a few days, so there are no props on him available at the sportsbook.

Jalen Beeks (1-2, 5.40 ERA) will open for the Rays ahead of Yonny Chirinos (1-1, 2.22 ERA).

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