There’s a logjam at the top of the AL East but the Yankees can put some distance between themselves and third place when they host the Rays for a four-game set this weekend. The first contest goes this evening when the ageless CC Sabathia (9-3, 3.44 ERA) climbs the mound looking for his third straight win and his seventh in his last nine starts.
The only problem with CC is that he’s never really figured out how to pitch at the new Yankee Stadium and he’s accumulated a 5.29 ERA in six starts at home this season. He has, however, owned the Rays in two starts this year, holding them to just one earned run in 10 innings of work.
Chris Archer (7-6, 3.77 ERA) takes the ball on the other side of the bump looking to help the Rays counteract a trend that’s seen them struggle against AL East opponents on the road. Archer has been pretty good at Yankee Stadium, relatively speaking, earning a 3.89 ERA in his last six starts in the Bronx.
Both pitchers have the tendency to implode without warning, though, so take that into account when handicapping this contest and maybe consider a wager on a low Sportsbook total of 8.5.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the MLB moneyline for this betting odds matchup, New York sat as -105 earlier in the day at Sportsbook. The OVER/UNDER total was set at 8.5, according to Sportsbook.
OddsShark computer prediction formulas pick a 4.9-2.4 win for the Yankees on Thursday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
53-46 New York battles the Rays, currently with a 53-49 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and New York vs Tampa Bay injuries news.
This game puts the New York Yankees, most recently No. 14 in OddsShark MLB Power Rankings, up against the Tampa Bay Rays, who rate a No. 19 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to getting on base, the visiting Tampa Bay Rays rank No. 20 at 8.61 hits per game. That compares with the New York Yankees No. 5 ranking in that category.
Tampa Bay brings the No. 12-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Yankees's No. 6-ranked defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Rays grabbed a win last time out, defeating Ubaldo Jimenez and the Orioles 5-1 on Wednesday at Tropicana Field.
New York rolled to a 9-5 win against Cincinnati on Wednesday, as Luis Severino and the Yankees' bats led the team to victory at Yankee Stadium.
Next Betting Matchups
Tampa Bay at New York, Friday, July 28