Rays vs. Yankees MLB Betting Odds, Picks: Cam Schlittler takes the mound for New York
The American League East race is over, but Tampa Bay and New York still have one more opportunity to measure themselves against a potential October opponent.
The Yankees won Tuesday’s double-header opener 2-0 before the Rays answered with a 6-1 victory in Game 2 to clinch the division and the No. 1 seed in the American League. New York is locked into the No. 4 seed and will host a three-game Wild Card series.
With the standings settled, this matchup is about staying sharp and carrying confidence into the postseason.
The Yankees are -155 favourites to win on the MLB odds, with the total set at 6.0.
MLB Betting Odds and Trends
Both starting pitchers enter in excellent September form.
Cam Schlittler has posted a 1.00 ERA with 33 strikeouts across 27 innings in four starts this month. Freddy Peralta has been nearly as effective, recording a 1.19 ERA over four September outings.
The broader splits favour New York, however. Peralta owns a 5.81 road ERA and 5.93 ERA at night, while Schlittler has pitched to a 1.98 ERA in night games.
That makes the Yankees the more appealing side despite both clubs potentially resting regulars.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are locked into the American League’s top seed and will receive a first-round bye, so lineup management could become the biggest variable here.
Peralta still gives them a quality opportunity on the mound. He has improved significantly since joining Tampa Bay, producing a 3.60 ERA and 0.98 WHIP across nine starts after uncharacteristically struggling earlier in the season as a member of the New York Mets.
The concern is his history against this Yankees lineup. New York hitters are 28-for-109 lifetime against Peralta with 10 doubles, seven home runs and an .898 OPS.
That is difficult to ignore, particularly away from home.
New York Yankees
Schlittler gets his final tune-up before the Wild Card series, and there may not be a pitcher New York trusts more right now.
He owns a 1.94 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 234 strikeouts across 190.1 innings, ranking among baseball’s top four leaders in all three categories.
He has also dominated Tampa Bay hitters. The Rays are just 17-for-70 against him with one triple, one home run and 21 strikeouts against only three walks.
Junior Caminero is 3-for-12 with a homer, while Chandler Simpson and Taylor Walls have had some success. But Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz are a combined 2-for-19 with 11 strikeouts.
New York also has several hitters with strong histories against Peralta, led by Cody Bellinger at 6-for-14 with a double and home run.
MLB Prediction: Who Will Win Rays vs. Yankees?
There is little at stake in the standings, but I still prefer New York at home.
Schlittler has been dominant all season and even better in September, while Tampa Bay has no reason to push its regulars after clinching the No. 1 seed.
Peralta is pitching well, but his road and night splits are concerning, and several Yankees hitters have seen him successfully in the past. Expect a postseason-style game with limited offence and New York doing just enough behind its ace.
Best bet: Yankees moneyline (-150)