The New York Yankees return to the Bronx looking to avoid a sweep after a bruising two games in Tampa Bay in which it scored just two runs in two American League Division Series losses to the Rays.
New York will pin its hopes on Max Fried as it looks to turn things around in Game 3, while Nick Martinez will go to the bump for Tampa Bay as it aims to sweep its divisional rivals.
Rays vs. Yankees betting picks and predictions
Under 7.0 Total Runs (+102)
The New York Yankees were nearly no-hit by Tampa Bay Rays’ ace Drew Rasmussen in Game 1 of this series and the only impact it made in Game 2 was a pair of Ben Rice solo home runs in a 5-2 loss.
Now the Yankees return to the Bronx with its backs against the wall and send Max Fried to the hill in search of a crucial win.
The left-hander was impressive in his last outing against the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, giving up just one run on three hits over the course of six innings. The veteran also has a solid record against the Rays, with a 1.81 ERA in seven career starts against Tampa Bay.
Nick Martinez is no slouch for the Rays either and these two could settle in for a real pitcher’s duel. The Rays pitcher had a 3.10 ERA this season as he transitioned from bullpen arm to starter. He was especially potent on the road, with a 2.38 ERA away from home, and he held the Yankees to just two runs from six innings in his last start against these opponents.
Both bullpens will be well rested after an extra day off and the Rays in particular will be happy to go to its pen early if need be.
Neither batting lineup has been particularly effective in this series, especially the Yankees, and that trend could be set to continue in this one.
Aside from Ben Rice and Austin Wells, New York’s hitters have gone 1-for-46 in this series and that does not bode well for this Game 3. Take the under to hit.
Ben Rice over 1.5 total bases (+105)
Ben Rice has been the only positive for the New York Yankees from this series and he is now 7-for-15 with four home runs and eight RBIs in the postseason.
The 27-year-old also has a strong record against Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez in his career, going 4-for-9 with three doubles and two walks. His OPS of 1.323 against Martinez and the fact that he has been arguably the hottest hitter in the postseason, make the odds of him going over 1.5 total bases look tempting.
Max Fried over 4.5 strikeouts (-104)
Max Fried may not have the best playoff record but he has been rock solid for the New York Yankees this year and is taken to record five or more strikeouts in this game.
He had 104 strikeouts in 112 2/3 innings in the regular season and considering his success against the Red Sox in their crucial Wild Card win, New York are likely to let Fried see the Rays’ lineup for a third time.
After racking up 23 strikeouts in his last four starts, Fried looks a solid bet to go over 4.5.
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Rays vs. Yankees odds
Tampa Bay Rays | +137 |
New York Yankees | -179 |
Run Line | NY Yankees -1.5 |
Total | O/U 7.0 |
Rays vs. Yankees player props
Home run odds
Ben Rice (NY Yankees) | +310 |
Luis Garcia (NY Yankees) | +450 |
Junior Caminero (TB Rays) | +475 |
Cody Bellinger (NY Yankees) | +525 |
Trent Grisham (NY Yankees) | +475 |
Spencer Jones (NY Yankees) | +500 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
