Tampa Bay Rays
New York Yankees
(-115/-105)+100
As the New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on July 31, 2025, both teams are looking to gain ground in a closely contested American League East division. With the Yankees sitting at 59-49 and the Rays at 54-55, this matchup is crucial for both clubs as they vie for playoff positioning. The Yankees are coming off a nail-biting victory, edging the Rays 5-4 in their last game on July 30, while Tampa Bay aims to turn the tide after a recent slump.
On the mound, the Yankees will send Marcus Stroman to the hill, although his recent performance has raised some eyebrows. Stroman holds a 2-2 record this season with a troubling 6.09 ERA, ranking him as the 229th best starting pitcher in MLB according to advanced stats. In contrast, Ryan Pepiot of the Rays has been a bright spot, showcasing his skills with a 6-8 record and an impressive 3.42 ERA, positioning him as the 67th best pitcher in the league. Pepiot’s recent outing included a stellar performance, going six innings without allowing an earned run.
The Yankees’ offense is firing on all cylinders, leading MLB in home runs with 172, and their lineup ranks as the 1st best overall in the league. This power could be particularly beneficial against Pepiot, who is known to be a high-flyball pitcher. As the game total is set at a relatively average 8.5 runs, the Yankees’ potent offense could see them surpass their projected team total of 4.10 runs.
Conversely, while the Rays’ offense is rated as the 13th best, they might struggle against a lineup that excels in power hitting. With the Yankees’ bullpen currently ranked 27th in MLB, there could be opportunities for the Rays to capitalize late in the game, but they must first overcome the challenge presented by Stroman. This matchup promises to provide plenty of excitement for bettors and fans alike.