Rays vs. Yankees Sunday Prediction
The New York Yankees aren’t crushing the ball like they’re accustomed to doing but they’re on the verge of a four-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. Will they cash on the runline Sunday afternoon when they host the Rays again at 2:05 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
979 St. Louis Cardinals (+108) at 980 Minnesota Twins (-118); 9 runs
Sunday, June 17, 2018
2:05 p.m. ET, Yankee Stadium
TV: TB (FS SUN); NYY (YES)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Yankees as a -235 favorite. As of this writing, 76% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Yankees to beat the Rays on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Rays’ Font lasts 3 1/3 innings vs. Blue Jays
Wilmer Font gave up two hits over 3 1/3 shutout innings Wednesday in a no-decision against the Blue Jays. The right-hander finished with three walks and one strikeout over 66 pitches. He also committed a throwing error, his first of the season. Font allowed at least one base-runner in every inning but was able to escape trouble each time. Toronto had runners on first and second with one out in the second but Gio Urshela squandered that chance by hitting into an inning-ending double play.
Wednesday was another bullpen game for the Rays, who have taken a unique approach to their starting rotation this season. Font has mostly struggled this year, compiling a lackluster 8.48 ERA over 16 outings (two starts) for the Rays, Dodgers and Athletics.
Yankees’ Sabathia labors but gets through 5 2/3 scoreless vs. Nats
CC Sabathia labored a bit but got through 5 2/3 scoreless frames Tuesday in the Yankees’ 3-0 win over the Nationals. Sabathia surrendered just four singles on the night, but he walked three a hit a batter, needing 101 pitches to cover his 5 2/3 innings. He was relieved in the sixth after a two-out infield single by Michael Taylor and Taylor was promptly caught stealing. Sabathia has been inconsistent over the last month, but this was his second straight solid outing.
MLB Betting Trends
Tampa Bay
The Rays are 20-49 in their last 69 road games when facing an opponent with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
New York
The Yankees have won 13 of their last 16 games against the American League East.
Prediction:
This isn’t a spot to take the underdog. The Rays are 1-11 in their last 12 games versus an opponent with a winning record, are 0-9 in their last nine road games and have dropped 12 of their last 16 games overall. The Yankees, meanwhile, are 7-3 in Sabathia’s last 10 starts, are 20-7 in his last 27 outings at home, and are 10-1 in Sabathia’s last 11 starts versus the Rays.
The Pick: New York Yankees (-235) or -1.5