The Tampa Bay Rays (26-6) and their league-best lineup are set to host the New York Yankees (17-15) at Tropicana Field on Friday for the opener of a three-game series.
The Yankees won two out of three in their last series against the Guardians, taking the finale 4-3 on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. Willie Calhoun was 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs. Jake Bauers added a solo home run.
The Rays are in the midst of a six-game homestand. They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Pirates, taking the finale 3-2 on Thursday at Tropicana Field. Yandy Diaz went 2 for 4 with a solo home run and a double.
Randy Arozarena added a solo home run. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. The Yankees won the 2022 season series between the AL East rivals (11-8), including two out of three in their most recent meeting at Yankee Stadium in September.
ON THE MOUND
Jhony Brito (2-3, 5.56 ERA) is in line to take the mound for New York. The right-hander allowed two runs over five innings in his last start, a 2-0 road defeat against the Rangers on Saturday. He was charged with the loss, scattering four hits while striking out five and walking one.
AT THE PLATE
The New York offense is averaging 3.9 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .227/.297/.381. Aaron Judge leads the team in OPS at .863. The outfield is slashing .261/.352/.511 with six home runs, 14 RBIs, and 18 runs over 26 games.
Over the last five games, however, New York has averaged only 2.4 runs a game while performing worse across the board (.217/.250/.325). Tampa Bay is slashing .280/.351/.524 for the season and averaging 6.6 runs per game, best in the league.
Four Rays hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Diaz (1.010). The shortstop has eight home runs, 17 RBIs, and 25 runs scored with a slash line of .316/.431/.579.
The Rays have an .862 OPS against right-handers in 2023, highest in MLB. With a 1.094 OPS over 73 at-bats, Diaz also has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is on a three-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 6-7 in 2023. The Yanks have scored 4.2 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.7 runs.
Tampa Bay has won three in a row at home. The Rays are 17-2 at home this season, averaging 6.2 runs per game while surrendering 2.3. In the last 10 games at Tropicana Field between the teams, each club has won five, though Tampa Bay has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.2-2.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rays lead the AL East by four games over the Orioles. The Yankees are fifth in the AL East, eight games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
TB Rays (-185)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
