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Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees August 19th 2025
The New York Yankees will take on the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Yankees are coming in strong with a record of 67-57 and a three-game winning streak. They have been performing well, going 7-3 in their last 10 games.
The Rays, with a record of 61-64, will look to bounce back after a recent loss. Their last 10 games have been a mixed bag, with a 5-5 record. The game will be played under hot conditions with a light breeze and a chance of light rain. Tune in at 7:35 PM on FDSSU to catch the action.
Yankees vs Rays Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- Venue: George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL
- Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Betting Odds: Yankees Moneyline -142, Rays Moneyline +121
The Yankees Can Win If…
The New York Yankees are on a roll, winning their last three games against the St. Louis Cardinals. In their recent 8-4 win, Aaron Judge contributed with a solid performance, going 1 for 3 with a run scored. Paul Goldschmidt also stood out with three hits and one RBI, helping the Yankees secure the victory.
The Yankees’ offense is a major strength, ranking first in slugging percentage and home runs this season. Their on-base percentage is third in the league, showing how they consistently get runners on base. With players like Aaron Judge, who has 39 home runs, they have the power to score runs quickly.
Starting pitcher Carlos Rodón gives the Yankees an edge on the mound. With an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.06, he has been reliable this season. His ability to limit hits and walks will be crucial against the Tampa Bay Rays, who have Shane Baz starting with a higher ERA of 4.93.
The Rays Can Win If…
The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off a tough loss against the San Francisco Giants, with a final score of 7-1. Despite the loss, Yandy Díaz and Ha-Seong Kim managed to get on base with a few hits. Ryan Pepiot pitched 5 2/3 innings with 8 strikeouts, showing his ability to get batters out.
The Rays have strong stats that can help them win their next game. They rank first in stolen bases with 158, which can create scoring chances. Their batting average of .250 ranks 8th in the league, and they have shown they can hit home runs with 137 on the season.
Junior Caminero is a key player for the Rays, leading the team with 35 home runs and 85 RBIs. Yandy Díaz also contributes with a .283 batting average. With Shane Baz starting on the mound, the Rays will look to bounce back and secure a win at home.
The Lean
The Yankees are favored with a moneyline of -142 against the Rays at +121. The Yankees have a strong slugging percentage and lead the league in home runs, which gives them an edge. My model projects the Yankees to win with a score of 5-4, making them the recommended pick.
The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. Both teams have solid hitting stats, and the Yankees’ pitching has a higher ERA. My model projects a total score of 9 runs. Therefore, the over is the recommended pick for this game.
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Yankees Find Home at Spring Training Venue
The New York Yankees begin a brief two-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays at their former spring training ballpark — George M. Steinbrenner Field. This reunion in Tampa offers a nostalgic yet competitive backdrop as the Yankees look to build on a recent series sweep.
MLB forced the entire Rays’ 2025 season to be played at Steinbrenner Field following Hurricane Milton’s devastating damage to Tropicana Field. The transformation of the Yankees’ spring home into a Major League-ready venue involved substantial renovations and a massive investment exceeding $50 million.
Yankees’ Offense Roars in St. Louis
New York enters Tampa off an offensive surge in St. Louis, scoring 24 runs over three games. In Saturday’s 12-8 win, Ben Rice posted a career-high-tying seven RBIs, and Trent Grisham scored four times. Starter Max Fried earned win number 13 despite allowing seven runs in five innings.
Manager Aaron Boone praised the lineup’s tenacity: “Tough, gritty at-bats…” saw players consistently battle, get on base, and pressure opposing pitchers.
They’re now 7-4 all-time against the Rays and are 3.5 games ahead of Cleveland for the final AL Wild Card position.
Rodón Takes the Hill for Game 1
Left-hander Carlos Rodón (12-7, 3.25 ERA) will start the opener. He has won his last two decisions and carries historical success into this matchup. Over nine career starts against Tampa Bay, Rodón is 2-3 with a 4.00 ERA and has recorded 56 strikeouts.
Carlos Rodón vs Rays – Career Summary
| Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Record | 2–3 |
| Career ERA | 4.00 |
| Strikeouts | 56 |
Rays Lean on Baz in Key Home Opener
Rays manager Kevin Cash emphasized that wins are needed regardless of opponent or standings. Tampa Bay is slightly under .500 and needs every victory they can muster.
Right-hander Shane Baz (8-9, 4.93 ERA) takes the mound. He last won on June 26 with a stellar eight-inning outing but has struggled since, posting a 6.09 ERA over 44⅓ innings.
Against the Yankees, Baz is 0-0 with a 4.91 ERA across five starts.
Rookie Josh Lowe (oblique) remains sidelined, but he’s expected to avoid the injured list. The Rays now head into a five-game homestand — two against the Yankees and three against the Cardinals.
What’s at Stake in Tampa
These games serve as a turning point for both clubs. For New York, it’s about reinforcing momentum and maintaining Wild Card positioning. For Tampa Bay, success at “home” offers a much-needed boost as they navigate a challenging season in borrowed surroundings.
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