MLB Picks: Yankees vs. Rays 8/25/23

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Date: Friday, August 25th, 6:40 ET
Location: Tropicana Field
TV: BSSUN
Money Line: Yankees +113/Rays -135 (Odds are cheaper at Betanysports!)
Total Line: 7.5

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Yankees on Friday, August 25th at Tropicana Field. We provide you with a comprehensive analysis, odds, and predictions to help with your handicapping decision or tail our expert based on the projected lineups and listed starting pitchers.

Betting Odds

Yankees vs. Rays Projected Lineup

Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

New York Yankees: 61-66 SU / OU 59-63 / Runline 60-67
Tampa Bay Rays: 78-51 SU / OU 68-57 / Runline 65-64

Heading into today’s action, the Yankees’ record of 61-66 has them sitting 5th in the AL East. Currently, they are 18 games out of the division lead. Over their last five games, they are 1-4 and have a road and home record of 25-33 and 36-33, respectively. New York’s overall series record sits at 16-17-7.

• The Yankees have covered the runline in 47.2% of their games and have an average run margin of -0.2
• The Yankees have been favored in 63.0% of their games and have runline records of 31-38 and 29-29 at home and on the road, respectively
• So far, the Yankees have an over/under record of just 59-63.

On a record of 78-51, the Rays are 2nd in the AL East. Currently, they are two games out of the division lead. Against the Yankees, they will be seeking their 5th straight win. On the road, they have a record of 35-29 while going 43-22 at home. Tampa Bay’s overall series record is 22-12-6.

• The Rays have covered the runline in 50.4% of their games and have an average run margin of 1.3
• The Rays have been favored in 82.2% of their games and have runline records of 32-33 and 33-31 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 54% of the Rays’ 129 games at 68-57.

Pitching Matchup

The Yankees will turn to starter Gerrit Cole who has an overall record of 10-4. After 26 appearances, his ERA is 3.03 and he has a K/9 figure of 9.54. Also, he has compiled a FIP of 3.46 and an OBP of .273.

Gerrit Cole took the loss after allowing six runs on seven hits in his previous outing against the Red Sox. In the game, the Yankees fell 8-1.

Zach Eflin has an overall record of 13-7, and will get the start for the Rays. With 24 appearances, his ERA currently stands at 3.58, while his K/9 figure is 8.85. Additionally, he has a FIP of 3.17 and an OBP of .259.

Tampa Bay is hoping that Zach Eflin can help guide them to another win, as they defeated the Angels (18-4) the last time he pitched. He finished the game with one earned run on four hits across six innings.

Yankees vs. Rays Offense Outlook

Up to this point in the season, the Yankees have emerged as one of the premier home run-hitting teams in baseball, accumulating 176 home runs (6th). On the whole, New York averages 4.2 runs per game and boasts a cumulative batting average of .230. In home games, the Yankees have a slugging percentage of .414, as opposed to .365 in away games.

New York Yankees Top Bats

New York Yankees Top Hitters: Last Five Games

The Rays have played 130 games so far this season and are currently ranked 4th in the league with an average of 5.4 runs per game. In terms of home run hitting, Tampa Bay is 3rd, having hit the ball out of the park 189 times. Their overall batting average is .261, including .253 on the road and .253 at home.

Tampa Bay Rays Top Bats

Tampa Bay Rays Top Hitters: Last Five Games

Free MLB Pick

In three of the four career starts versus the Yankees, Rays starter Zach Eflin has held NYY to zero runs. Gerrit Cole gets the ball for the Pinstripes, and while he has pitched well against the Rays this season, his current form has been erratic, allowing four or more runs in two of his last three outings. Additionally, the Rays are 6-4 in their last ten against the Yanks and hold a large edge in divisional play, going 20-14 versus New York’s dismal 15-24. Take Tampa Bay -130.

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