The Tampa Bay Rays (77-58) and New York Yankees (83-55) will square off in an AL East battle on Friday. This is an important series for both teams as the season winds down.
The Rays enter this series, trailing the Yankees by just 4.5 games. In July, the Yankees held a 15-plus game lead. There is no question that New York crumbled.
But credit needs to be given to the Rays. They have fought hard and played well in order to get back into the divisional race. They are 8-2 over the course of their last ten games.
Meanwhile, New York is 5-5 in their last ten contests. The game’s first pitch is set for 7:05 PM EST on September 9th, 2022, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Let’s look at the Rays vs. Yankees Betting odds.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Odds Breakdown
There is no clear favorite between the Yankees and Rays. Some sports books may differ in their odds. New York has the home-field advantage, which may push them over the top from an MLB odds standpoint.
This is going to be a great series with a playoff atmosphere. The Yankees can gain much-needed ground on Tampa Bay, but the Rays could climb right back into the race with a strong series.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Betting Preview
Drew Rasmussen as Starter
Drew Rasmussen (9-4, 2.70) is the most important pitcher for the Rays right now. Shane McClanahan is hoping to return soon, but he’s currently in the IL. Meanwhile, Tyler Glasnow is still working his way back from injury.
The Tampa Bay Rays have other quality starting rotation options, but Rasmussen has broken out in 2022. In fact, he has an argument for the most underrated pitcher in baseball this year. He has a 2.70 ERA, and he is still receiving minimal attention.
The Rays need him to step up and give them an opportunity to win this game. The Yankees’ offense isn’t as strong as it was earlier in the season, but they still feature a number of big bats. Finding a way to take care of Aaron Judge will be his most difficult challenge.
Rasmusen will aim to keep the good times rolling and lead Tampa Bay to a win on Friday night.
Frankie Montas as Starter
Frankie Montas (5-11, 3.79) is the Yankees’ scheduled starter. He’s seen his share of ups and downs since being traded to New York. But with Nestor Cortes on the IL, the Yankees rely on him to step up alongside Gerrit Cole.
Montas has the talent to excel. He features a versatile pitching repertoire with good momentum on almost all of his pitches. His control can be a bit shaky at times, but he’s a guy Aaron Boone, and the Yankees clearly believe in him.
New York needs him to shut down Tampa Bay’s offense on Friday.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Pick and Prediction
With all of that out of the way, it is time to make our Rays vs. Yankees Betting Prediction.
Yankees at the Stats
The New York Yankees‘ statistics suggest they should be playing better than they have over the past few weeks. They are near the top of baseball in a number of both hitting and pitching categories. But their inconsistency has plagued them in a major way.
Aaron Judge is in the midst of an MVP-caliber season. His production alone is reason enough to believe New York has a chance to get the job done. But the truth is that they need other hitters to step up alongside him.
Rays’ at the Stats
For Tampa Bay, the Rays’ stats are tremendous from a pitching perspective. They are third in team ERA and fourth in WHIP. However, their offense numbers are closer to the league average.
Tampa Bay finds ways to win games without a powerful offensive attack. Their pitching is underrated. It has kept them in contention this year. And with Drew Rasmussen on the mound, it is going to lead them to a win on Friday in New York.
For those making MLB picks today, our betting Rays vs. Yankees Betting Prediction is that Tampa Bay will upset the Yankees in a competitive, low-scoring affair.
MLB Pick: Rays +1.5 (-240)
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