The New York Yankees will look to even up the score against the Tampa Bay Rays in their four-game series before heading out of town. This has been a very entertaining series, with the Rays getting their two wins in one-run games.
Today’s pitching matchup is the left-hander James Paxton toeing the rubber for New York while the righty Charlie Morton goes for Tampa Bay. Paxton has really struggled early on this season, and the team’s bullpen has been used quite a bit this week after playing two doubleheaders. If Paxton has a rough start, it could absolutely disastrous for the Yanks.
New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays
Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, FL
1:10 p.m. EST (Watch: MLB Network)
Starting Goalies
NYY: James Paxton – L (0-1, 13.50 ERA/3.25 WHIP this season)
TB: Charlie Morton – R (1-1, 5.52 ERA/1.36 WHIP this season)
Odds & Betting lines (bet365)
Total: 8.5 Runs | Over: -115 | Under: -105
NYY | Moneyline: +115 | Run Line (+1.5): -170
TB | Moneyline: -135 | Run Line (-1.5): +150
Injury List
NYY: Giancarlo Stanton -DH (DTD), Aroldis Chapman -RP (CV), Kyle Higashioka -C (IL), Tommy Kahnle -RP (IL)
TB: Jose Alvarado -RP (PAT), Yonny Chirinos -RP (IL), Randy Arozarena -OF (CV), Manuel Margot -OF (CV)
Interesting Stats
Where’s the Money Going?
As of ____ today, here are the betting percentages:
– Moneyline: NYY, 57% of bets made | TB, 75% of all money wagered
– Run Line: TB, 54% of bets made | TB, 77% of all money wagered
– Total: Over, 62% of bets made | TB, 66% of all money wagered
Paxton Struggles Early On
Things certainly haven’t gone as planned for Paxton, who was once a Cy Young-caliber pitcher not too long ago. Through only four innings (two starts) this season, the southpaw has allowed 12 hits and eight runs. Paxton does, however, own a 3-1 record and 3.19 ERA in five career starts against the Rays.
Betting Picks
Rays Moneyline (-135)
I’m going to follow the smart money once again and roll with the home team. The Rays came into this series with a great deal of desperation and we’re seeing it take place before our eyes. Paxton has been an absolute trash bag this season, and I just have a lot more confidence that Morton will figure it out before he does. Most of the early-season struggles for Tampa Bay came on the road, and that is not where today’s game is being played.
