Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets for August 18, 2020.

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.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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