New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays Predictions

Rasmussen gives the Rays an edge

Drew Rasmussen is the strongest reason to favor Tampa Bay in Saturday’s ALDS opener. FOX Sports / Associated Press lists the right-hander at 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP and 174 strikeouts. CBS Sports / Field Level Media reports that the Rays won three of his four starts against New York this season.

Tampa Bay also went 55-26 at home and won the season series 7-6. Those results support the Rays as the likely winner, but the SPF moneyline requires bettors to lay -135.

Cole and Judge create betting risk

Gerrit Cole gives New York a credible chance to win a close game. He finished 10-9 with a 3.61 ERA, and CBS Sports / Field Level Media reports that he allowed two runs on three hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 9-2 win over Tampa Bay on September 23.

The Yankees also swept Boston in two Wild Card games by a combined 18-2. Aaron Judge’s status remains unresolved after a right calf strain kept him off that series roster. His availability had not been decided as of October 2, so the strength of New York’s lineup is still uncertain.

Prediction and betting view

Tampa Bay is the more likely winner because Rasmussen had the better regular season and the Rays played well at home. The wager is different: -135 asks too much against Cole while Judge’s status is unsettled. Pass on the moneyline and the -1.5 run line.