New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Predictions July 28th 2025

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The Tampa Bay Rays will take on the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Monday, July 28, 2025. The game is set to start at 7:05 PM under clear skies. Fans can catch the action on the YES channel.

The Rays, managed by Kevin Cash, hold a 53-53 record this season. They are 10 games behind in the AL East. The Yankees, led by Aaron Boone, have a 57-48 record and are 5 games back in their division. Drew Rasmussen will start for the Rays, while Cam Schlittler will take the mound for the Yankees.

Rays vs Yankees Key Information

  • Sport: Baseball
  • Teams: Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees
  • Venue: Yankee Stadium in New York, NY
  • Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
  • Betting Odds: Rays Moneyline +100, Yankees Moneyline -118, Rays Runline -1.5 (+159), Yankees Runline +1.5 (-197), Total Over 8.5 (-114), Total Under 8.5 (-105)

The Rays Can Win If…

The Tampa Bay Rays are looking to bounce back after a close 2-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. In that game, Taylor Walls was a standout, hitting a home run and driving in the team’s only run. Shane Baz had a solid outing on the mound, striking out five over five innings.

Despite recent losses, the Rays have strong stats that show they can win. They have the third-best batting average in the league at .255. Their speed on the bases is unmatched, leading the league with 138 stolen bases.

Tampa Bay Rays player hustling out of the box during a game

Junior Caminero is a key player for the Rays, with 26 home runs and a slugging percentage of .506. Drew Rasmussen will take the mound with an impressive 2.93 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. These factors make the Rays a strong contender in their upcoming game against the Yankees.

The Yankees Can Win If…

The New York Yankees secured a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in their most recent game. Carlos Rodón pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up 3 runs and striking out 8. Ryan McMahon was a standout, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs, helping the Yankees clinch the win.

The Yankees have strong batting stats this season. They rank first in on-base percentage at .332 and slugging percentage at .454. Their 168 home runs also lead the league, showcasing their power at the plate.

Focused New York Yankees player preparing for his next at-bat

Cam Schlittler will be the starting pitcher for the Yankees. He has a 4.36 ERA and a 1-0 record. With the Yankees’ strong offensive lineup and Schlittler’s potential, they have a solid chance to win against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Lean

The Rays and Yankees game has the Yankees favored with a moneyline of -118. The Rays are at +100. My model projects the Yankees to win with a score of 5-4. The Yankees have a strong on-base percentage and slugging percentage, which supports their edge in this game. Therefore, the recommendation is to pick the Yankees to win.

The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs, with the over at -114 and the under at -105. My model projects a total score of 9 runs. Both teams have shown the ability to score, with the Yankees leading in home runs and slugging percentage. This suggests that the over is the better choice for this game.

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Ryan McMahon Sparks Yankees as Four-Game Series with Rays Begins

Ryan McMahon’s debut weekend with the New York Yankees was short on fanfare but big on impact. Fresh off a trade from the Colorado Rockies, the third baseman wasted no time proving his value, adding a jolt of energy to a team eager to get back on track.

After being dealt for two minor league pitchers, McMahon joined the Yankees on Friday and quickly found his rhythm. He’s 3-for-6 through two games, including a clutch two-run double that helped secure a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

“He looks great so far,” said Yankees closer Devin Williams. “Hopefully he continues it. I’ve obviously played against him in the past and he was a good player and I’m happy to have him here.”


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McMahon’s performance is timely. Batting .342 with four homers and 11 RBIs over his last 11 games, his blend of power and defense was on full display Sunday. Alongside his double, he made standout defensive plays, including a sliding stop on Trea Turner and a leaping grab against Bryce Harper.

“Honestly just excited to do something to help the team,” McMahon said. “Wins are important right now. I’m happy to do some solid stuff out there and get ready for the next one.”

Meanwhile, the Yankees are hoping McMahon can help ignite a team that’s dropped seven of its last 11 games. The recent win snapped a four-game skid at home and gave them momentum heading into Monday’s clash against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Rays, who won two of three in New York earlier this season, have been in a downward spiral. They’re just 7-18 in their last 25 games and fell back to .500 for the first time in two months. Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Reds was particularly painful, as Tampa Bay managed just three hits—marking the 11th game this season with three or fewer.

Manager Kevin Cash noted the absence of Brandon Lowe has shaken up the lineup. Lowe was placed on the injured list last week due to foot and ankle issues, and the offense hasn’t been the same since.

“We’re missing Brandon Lowe,” Cash said. “He knows that more than anybody. I know that. It’s a different lineup when he’s in it and how other guys are pitched.”

Young right-hander Cam Schlittler gets the ball for New York in what might double as a trade audition. He’s shown poise in limited action, including five solid innings in a no-decision against Toronto. He’ll face Drew Rasmussen, who has quietly dominated the Yankees in past meetings with a stellar 0.34 ERA across five appearances.

Rasmussen, who just turned 30, has been a steady hand for Tampa Bay, posting a 2.60 ERA over his last 12 starts. His matchup against the surging McMahon and a Yankees team looking to build on recent momentum should offer plenty of intrigue.

If you’re considering a wager on this matchup or others, don’t miss out on the latest MLB Picks and Predictions that can help guide your betting decisions with data-backed insights.


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