The Tampa Bay Rays have a chance to close out the series and sweep the New York Yankees on Wednesday when they meet in the Bronx. The Rays have edged out the first two games, even winning the Schlittler game, which felt like the game the Yankees just had to have. While the season series was as even as it gets, the Rays have always been just a touch better than the Yankees all season, and the Yankees know it. On the mound to start the game will be Max Fried and Nick Martinez, but with the extra off days this week, both bullpens will be fully rested, and managers will be quick to go to them. I like the Rays, and I love that they are plus money.
Max Fried has thrown well against Tampa, but he did give up four runs when he saw them in the final days of the regular season. The Rays finished the year with the fourth-highest slugging percentage vs lefties, and they can get to Fried. On the other side, Nick Martinez is a reverse-splits pitcher, which is good when facing all the left-handed hitters in the New York lineup. Martinez has had great success against New York this year, including a late-September start of six innings, two runs, and seven Ks. I suspect he won’t go through the lineup more than once or twice, but he can succeed here. Overall, the Rays just seem to have the momentum and confidence; I think they can close it out here.
Rays vs Yankees prediction: Rays ML (+135) available at time of publishing. Playable to +115.
