The Tampa Bay Rays (14-9) and New York Yankees (16-6) close out a four-game series Tuesday; first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET from Yankee Stadium. We analyze the Rays-Yankees MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Season Series: The Rays have won three out of the four meetings so far and remain in striking distance of the AL East-leading Yankees.
Rays at Yankees: Projected starting pitchers
LHP Blake Snell at RHP Masahiro Tanaka
Snell in 2020: 1-0, 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 20:4 K:BB in 4 GS (13 IP)
- Last start: 8/12, Win — 5 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, and 6 K at the Boston Red Sox last Wednesday
- Snell has had to build up his innings limit and stamina; he’s been carefully managed following last year’s surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. He looked set for a full role in his last start, so expect him to act like a true SP moving forward.
- Career at Yankee Stadium: 4.23 ERA in 17 GS
Tanaka in 2020: 0-0, 2.31 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 11:3 K:BB in 3 GS (11 2/3 IP)
- Last start: 8/12, No-decision — 4 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K vs. Atlanta Braves
- Career at Yankee Stadium: 3.37 ERA in 84 GS
- Career vs. Rays: 3.07 ERA in 19 GS
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Rays at Yankees: Key injuries
(Get the latest injury news here.)
Rays
- SP Charlie Morton (shoulder) questionable for next start
- RP Jose Alvarado (shoulder) out
- RP Oliver Drake (biceps) out
Yankees
- RF Aaron Judge (calf) out
- OF/DH Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring) out
- 2B DJ LeMahieu (thumb) out
Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
Rays at Yankees: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Rays 4, Yankees 3
Moneyline (ML)
- Rays (-110)
- Yankees (100)
The books are predicting Snell to halt New York’s six-game win streak, and it’s not an unfounded bet considering his recent form. He’s the type of ace-level pitcher who could quiet New York’s bats, who are missing three key pieces in Judge, LeMahieu, and Stanton.
BET the Rays (-110).
New to sports betting? You would need a successful $11 bet to win a $10 profit on this line.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
- Rays -1.5 (+140)
- Yankees +1.5 (-167)
As enticing as the +140 mark is for the Rays’ run line, I’ll avoid it. Also, the Yankees don’t get enough of a reward for keeping this one close. PASS.
Over/Under (O/U)
- Over 8.5 (-110)
- Under 8.5 (-110)
Given that Tanaka works well at home and Snell has a good outlook, I’d make a light wager and BET THE Under 8.5 (-110).
New to sports betting? You would need a successful $11 bet to win a $10 profit on this line.
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