As the month of July comes to a close, both the Rays and Yankees are in desperate need of some wins. Tampa Bay (54-54) has lost 14 of its last 20 games. At this point, it remains to be seen if the team will operate as sellers during Thursday’s trade deadline. New York (58-49) is in control of a wild card spot, but they too have slumped in recent weeks. Now, with Aaron Judge (shoulder) on the injured list, the Pinstripes are in a tough spot. Which of these two rivals will pull out a victory tonight? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Wednesday’s matchup between the Rays and Yankees.
The Yankees are favorites (-138) over the Rays, with the over/under set at nine runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Rays vs. Yankees prediction, preview
The Yankees have a dismal 11-14 record over their last 25 games. In the process, they’ve surrendered first place in the AL East to the Toronto Blue Jays. The biggest problem for this group has been on the mound. Other than aces Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, New York has lacked high-end arms. Due to underperformance and injuries, the Yankees have been forced to rely on starter Will Warren all season.
It’s been a mixed bag for the rookie, slated to take the mound tonight. Through 104.2 innings of work, Warren owns a 4.82 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. However, his 10.7 K/9 ratio stands out, as does a solid 3.71 FIP and 4.07 xERA. The right-hander will get to face a Rays offense that has dropped off of a cliff. This month, no other American League squad has scored fewer runs than Tampa Bay (90). Injuries to Brandon Lowe (foot) and Ha-Seong Kim (back) haven’t helped, although the former is expected to return tonight.
Zach Littell will get the nod for the Rays, making his 22nd start of the year. The righty has been an oft-mentioned name on the trade market, perhaps making his final appearance for Tampa Bay. Despite a lack of swing-and-miss stuff, the veteran has posted a 3.72 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. When he last faced New York with Aaron Judge in the lineup. Without #99, this Yankees lineup is far less formidable. Following a lackluster showing last week in Cincinnati (6 IP, 5 ER), the 29-year-old will look to bounce back tonight.
Rays vs. Yankees pick, best bet
Best Bet: Rays vs. Yankees run total under nine (-112)
Although Littell has over-performed his expected numbers (4.57 xERA), this isn’t the most daunting matchup. The Yankees, without Judge, aren’t nearly as intimidating. On the other side, a K-heavy arm such as Warren could give Tampa Bay trouble. Expect a classic low-scoring showdown between the Rays and Yankees on Wednesday.
