Rays vs. Yankees (August 17): Will TB silence the Bronx Bombers again to seal the sweep?

The New York Yankees may still have a comfortable lead in the AL East, but tonight’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays is arguably more of a must-win for them than the Rays.

Tampa Bay has taken the first two games in the series to move into second in the AL East, but while a sweep would see them still be eight games back of New York, it would be the Yankees’ 12 loss in 14 games and 18th in 26 games since the All-Star break.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Rays (62-53, 27-31 away, 2nd in the AL East) vs. New York Yankees (72-45, 41-17 home, 1st in the AL East)
• Venue & Location: Yankee Stadium (New York, New York)
• Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2022
• Game Time: 7:05 p.m. Eastern Time

Rays vs. Yankees Pitching Matchup

• Tampa Bay Rays: Corey Kluber (2022: 22 starts, 7-7, 4.40 ERA)
• New York Yankees: Domingo German (2022: 5 starts, 1-2, 4.18 ERA)

Rays vs. Yankees Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline. Odds from other reputable online sports betting sites may also be included in this article.

Moneyline

• Tampa Bay Rays +118
• New York Yankees -138

Over/Under

• Over 8.5 (-108)
• Under 8.5 (-112)

Run Line

• Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 (-166)
• New York Yankees -1.5 (+138)

Will the Yankees Have Another Disappointing Night at the Dish?

Nine days ago, the Yankees scored nine runs in a win over the Seattle Mariners.

In the seven games since then, New York has scored a total of nine runs and won only once. In that stretch, they have been shut out three times, and they have mustered just one run in two games against the Rays in this series.

It’s still a bit soon to press the panic button with regards to their AL East lead, but this is still very concerning.

Will it come to a halt tonight? Kluber allowed seven runs and ten hits last Friday against the Baltimore Orioles and has a 6.91 ERA in his last five starts, but he has pitched well in both of his starts this season against his former team.

Corey Kluber vs. the Yankees This Season

• May 28 (3-1 home win): 6 IP, 3 H, R, 0 BB, 5 K
• June 14 (2-0 away loss): 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R (0 ER), BB, 3 K

On the positive side, pitching has been pretty decent for the Yankees. In their 1-6 stretch, they have not given up more than four runs in a game.

There’s a good possibility that continues tonight, as German has given up just four runs, 15 hits, and five walks in 16 innings across his three August starts.

Last Friday, he allowed one run, five hits, and two walks in six innings against the Boston Red Sox, but received a no-decision in New York’s 3-2, 10-inning loss.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Prediction and Picks

Rays vs. Yankees Prediction: Rays to win

Rays vs. Yankees Picks: Rays ML (Best Value: +123 at BetUS) & Rays/Yankees under 8.5 (Best Value: +100 at Bovada Sportsbook)

When you’re hot, you’re hot, and when you’re cold, you’re cold. While the Yankees are ice cold, the Rays are hot, having won four in a row and allowed only four runs in those four wins.

Kluber didn’t have his best night against the Orioles last time out, but as mentioned, he has pitched well against the Yankees this season, and I look for him to do so again tonight.

German should also do his part, which is why I really like the under here, but Tampa Bay will do enough to eke out a win and break out the brooms.

More Rays vs. Yankees Content

• Rays vs. Yankees Odds, Stats & Trends (8/17)

More MLB Content Today on Betting News

• Rockies vs. Cardinals Prediction and Picks (8/17)