The Tampa Bay Rays (15-9) will face the New York Yankees (16-7) in the second game of a three-night series at Yankee Stadium Wednesday. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. We analyze the Rays-Yankees betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.
Rays at Yankees: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Tyler Glasnow vs. RHP Gerrit Cole
Glasnow hasn’t been the ace Tampa Bay thought he’d be this season, going 0-1 with a 7.04 ERA through 15 1/3 innings over four starts.
- Glasnow is 0-2 in his career against the Yankees, pitching to a 5.68 ERA in three starts.
- He’s averaging a career-high 15.8 K/9 this season, but has also allowed the same number of runs (12) as he surrendered in 60 2/3 innings last year.
Cole is a perfect 4-0 this season with a 2.76 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings.
- Cole has now won 20 straight decisions dating back to last year with the Houston Astros. It is the third-longest streak in MLB history.
- Cole is 0-2 in five career starts against the Rays, with a 3.86 ERA and 13.9 K/9.
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Rays at Yankees: Key injuries
Get the latest injury news here.
Rays
- RP Jose Alvarado (shoulder) out
- OF Randy Arozarena (COVID-19) out
Yankees
- OF Aaron Judge (leg) out
- OF Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring) out
- 2B DJ LeMahieu (thumb) out
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 11:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Yankees 6, Rays 3
Moneyline (ML)
The Yankees (-189) were on a tear before losing to the Rays 6-3 Tuesday night, winning their previous six games. They’re favored still favored for Game 2 of the series.
The Rays (+170) are still plenty capable and boast a 15-9 record with a young ace on the mound, but they need Glasnow to get out of the rut he’s in. Rather than betting on either side with the moneyline, I’d rather PASS and look at the run line.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Yankees to win returns a profit of $5.29.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The YANKEES -1.5 (+110) are the play to win by 2 or more runs Wednesday. That’s a very fair spread for this matchup, especially with Cole on the mound. I’d feel comfortable giving up 1.5 runs in a wager on the Yankees, especially with Glasnow’s recent struggles.
Go with the YANKEES -1.5 (+110) to cover and win by 2 or more runs.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Over/Under is only 8 in this one, partly because two aces are on the mound. The Yankees shouldn’t give up many runs with Cole pitching, but Glasnow has blown up in his last two starts.
Even without LeMahieu, Stanton and Judge, the Yankees will score enough to put the total over eight runs. Bet the OVER 8 (-110).
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