Tampa Bay Rays vs
New York YankeesPredictions & Preview

Rays vs. Yankees: Littell Leads Tampa Bay to Advantage in Season Series

In the upcoming third game of their four-game series, the Tampa Bay Rays (54-53) will go head-to-head with the New York Yankees (57-49) in the AL East. After winning the first game 4-2, the Rays currently lead the season series 3-1. Zack Littell (3.72 ERA) will be starting for Tampa Bay, while New York will send out Will Warren (4.82 ERA). The game is scheduled for a 7:05 EST start time and will be broadcast on Prime Video. Stay with us for our prediction on the outcome of the Rays vs. Yankees match-up.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Rays +119 | Yankees -135
• Spread: Rays +1.5 (-172) | Yankees -1.5 (+150)
• Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that New York will win straight-up is 57%.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays were able to break a four-game losing streak by securing a 4-2 win against the New York Yankees in the first game of their series. The Rays have been dominating this season against the Yankees, leading the season series 3-1. Currently, they are fourth in the AL East, trailing the third place Red Sox by 2.5 games and the division leading Blue Jays by 8.5 games. In Monday's victory, Junior Caminero hit a two-run home run in the first inning to help propel the team to victory. Caminero, the 22-year old third baseman, leads the team in home runs (27) and RBIs (70) while maintaining a batting average of .256 in his third season in the Majors. Yandy Diaz, the team's designated hitter batting second in the lineup, contributed with a sac fly in the 8th inning to help preserve the lead. Diaz has 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a .283 batting average this season. Jonathan Aranda, the first baseman with a team-leading .314 batting average, has contributed 11 home runs and 51 RBIs. Zack Littell, a 29-year old right-handed pitcher, will be making his 23rd start of the season for the Rays. He holds an 8-8 record with the team going 3-2 in his last five starts. Littell has an ERA of 3.72 with 85 strikeouts and 17 walks. In his previous start against Cincinnati, he allowed ten hits and five runs in six innings resulting in a loss.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees have been struggling recently, losing four of their last five games and falling to second place in the AL East behind the Blue Jays. Despite their recent slide, they are still holding onto the top Wild Card spot. In Monday's game, Jasson Dominguez had a strong performance with two hits, but the team still fell short. Dominguez, a talented 22-year-old outfielder in his third season with the Yankees, has nine home runs and 36 RBIs with a batting average of .258. Aaron Judge will be absent from the upcoming game due to an elbow injury, leaving Cody Bellinger as their top home run hitter with 19 on the year along with 58 RBIs and a .281 batting average. Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has 18 home runs and 49 RBIs, will be playing second base. Will Warren, a 26-year-old right-hander, will be making his 23rd start of the season with a 6-5 record. Warren has struggled in his last five starts, going 2-3 with an ERA of 4.82, 124 strikeouts, and 50 walks. In his most recent start, Warren gave up two runs in 5.2 innings in a loss to the Phillies.

Littell Leads Rays to Advantage over Yankees in Season Series

The Tampa Bay Rays currently hold the advantage in the season series against the New York Yankees and have entrusted their top starting pitcher, Littell, to maintain their lead in this upcoming game. Littell boasts the highest number of innings pitched for the Rays and has secured victories in his recent matchups against the Orioles and Tigers. With a lower ERA compared to his counterpart Warren from New York, Littell's ability to limit walks sets him apart. The absence of Aaron Judge from the Yankees' lineup further strengthens Littell's position on the mound. In contrast, Warren has struggled in his last few outings, allowing multiple runs in each start, including a five-run performance against the Braves. Considering the recent strong performances from the Rays' lineup, it is advisable to place your bet on their victory in this game.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]