Tonight, Drew Rasmussen takes the mound for Tampa Bay in a crucial game against the New York Yankees. Both teams have been riding the highs and lows of the season, but this pitching matchup represents the fulcrum in the three-game series. The Rays, looking to regain their form after a rocky stretch, will rely on their ace to shut down a Yankees lineup eager to continue building momentum. With both sides feeling some April pressure, this game has the makings of a tight showdown. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Friday night baseball game between the Yankees and the Rays.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Yankees vs. Rays prediction, preview
The Rays and Yankees square off tonight, and it all comes down to whether Tampa Bay’s ace, Drew Rasmussen, can stifle New York’s explosive offense. Rasmussen enters the game with a stellar 0.60 ERA, shutting down opponents over 15 innings with just one earned run allowed. He’s been a nightmare for batters, collecting 15 strikeouts and allowing just nine hits. Rasmussen has dominated in his last two starts, tossing 10 scoreless innings with just two hits and one walk allowed. Meanwhile, Carlos Rodon takes the mound for New York, but he’s struggled mightily. In his last three starts, Rodon’s given up 13 earned runs in just 17.2 innings. Rodon has allowed five homers already this season, a troubling sign against a team that thrives on the long ball.
It’s not just the pitchers who’ll make the difference—both teams bring strong offensive trends into this one. The Rays, despite recent struggles, are still ranked 11th in runs scored, and their .267 team batting average is nothing to ignore. Jonathan Aranda, hitting .396, has been a steady producer at the plate, while Junior Caminero leads the team with four home runs. Caminero has been on fire, slugging .500 over the last two weeks, and his power should be a factor tonight. Yandy Díaz, currently hitting .300 over his last 10 games, is also a major threat. Díaz has hit .270 against the Yankees in his career and could make Rodon pay if he doesn’t locate his pitches.
On the Yankees’ side, Aaron Judge is still a powerhouse—breaking news!—batting .409 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs. Judge is on a scorching five-game hitting streak, batting .588 over that span. Ben Rice and Trent Grisham have added solid contributions, with Rice hitting .273 and Grisham at .308. But while the Yankees’ offense can put runs on the board, their pitching—especially Rodon—has been a major liability. Rodon’s struggles with the long ball and his inconsistent outings raise big red flags. New York’s bullpen has a 4.23 ERA, ranking 21st in MLB, which only adds to their pitching woes.
Rays vs. Yankees pick, best bet
There’s also this: The Rays have won four of their last five as favorites following a loss, showing their ability to bounce back. The Yankees have dropped five of their last six games against teams with a winning record. How’s that for highlighting their struggles against top-tier competition.
With Tampa Bay’s pitching advantage and New York’s struggles, this game feels like it’s leaning heavily in the Rays’ favor. Tampa Bay has the complete package right now, especially with Rasmussen leading the charge. The Yankees’ weak bullpen and Rodon’s inconsistency—especially that pesky tendency to give up the yabo—will make it tough to beat the Rays tonight.
Best bet: Rays (+100) at Yankees
Rays get it right tonight; tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
