Yankees Vs. Rays

Yankees vs. Rays: Odds, Picks, and How to Bet This AL East Clash

Game Info: Saturday, July 20,2024, 7:05 AM EST (Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida)

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Yankees (-120) | Rays (+100)
• Run Line: Yankees -1.5 (+140) | Rays +1.5 (-170)
• Over/Under: 8 runs (Over -115 | Under -105)

New York Yankees Betting Preview

The Yankees are on a high after eliminating their division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles in a series though they are still one game behind in the hotly contested AL East race. Their offensive line led by the explosive Anthony Rizzo and the dangerous Aaron Judge is a formidable combination. With four home runs, they lead the Major League Baseball in this stat and their batting average of 278 is quite strong. Concerns should be raised about their pitching staff though. The current AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole has been a shadow of his former self with a concerning 5.40 ERA. Because of the starting rotations’ lack of consistency, it is doubtful that the Yankees will make it far in the playoffs if their pitching issues continue.

Cole needs to get back to his Cy Young level for the Bronx Bombers in this important game. Even though he has unquestionable skill and experience, he won’t have an easy time against the talented and deep Rays lineup. The Yankees hope their bullpen which has been inconsistent this season can step up late in the game, but they also need to figure out how to score runs against a stingy Tampa Bay pitching staff.

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview

Often overlooked the Rays are currently positioned at .500. They still have the ability to win close games and frustrate their opponents though, so they are still a dangerous team. Their pitching staff, which has been the cornerstone of their success is led by the outstanding Shane McClanahan and has an ERA of under 4.00. Although McClanahan may not start this game, the Rays have a strong pitching staff that can contain the Yankees’ potent offense. They have several solid arms on their staff.

Though they don’t have the Yankees level of star power offensively, the Rays are a well-rounded team that enjoys scoring runs. They use situational hitting, baserunning, and drawing walks to harass opposing pitchers as part of their game plan. Veteran players like Brandon Lowe and Manuel Margot consistently produce at the plate while up-and-coming talents like Randy Arozarena and Wander Franco are fascinating to watch.

Matchup/League Facts

• This is the Yankees’ and Rays’ fourth meeting of the season. Given that the series is currently tied 1-1, it is clear how competitive these two AL East rivals are.
• Winning four of their last six games, the Yankees have shown signs of life. Conversely, the Rays have split their previous six games and have been inconsistent.
• It’s well known that Tropicana Field favors pitchers which may work to the Rays’ advantage given their depth in the pitching staff.
• This season the Yankees have had trouble against southpaw pitchers. The outcome of the game may depend significantly on the Rays decision to use a left-handed starter.

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays Prediction

With two teams that are evenly matched, this matchup promises to be thrilling and suspenseful. Having pitching depth on both sides will be crucial in stifling the others offensive line. In the end, the Yankees may have a slight advantage, thanks to their strong lineup and mashing prowess. Still, it’s impossible to ignore the Rays’ home-field advantage, depth of pitching, and experience in close games.

Prediction: Yankees 5, Rays 4

In this narrow escape, a few key plays could decide the outcome. The Yankees’ pitching staff needs to limit walks and big hits in order to get to the Rays starters. The offense needs to be patient and methodical at the plate. But the Rays will need to play their brand of small ball and seize any scoring opportunities they create if they want to pull off an upset. The Yankees-Rays series is becoming increasingly important in the AL East race and this game on July 20th has the potential to be pivotal. The winner will acquire significant momentum in their quest for the division title while the loser will face an uphill battle in the remaining games of the season.