- Matchup: New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays
- Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
- Broadcast: YES Network
- Betting Odds: Tampa Bay (+120) New York (-144)
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In an exciting face-off, the New York Yankees (89-66) will host the Tampa Bay Rays (95-60) at Yankee Stadium this Wednesday. The odds favor Tampa Bay at +120, while New York stands at -144. The over/under for this matchup is set at 8. The anticipated starting pitchers are Steven Matz and Gerrit Cole.
The Tampa Bay Rays have been performing well offensively, averaging 4.6 runs per game, placing them 10th overall in MLB. They have scored a total of 707 runs this season, boasting a team on-base percentage of .328. The Rays have hit 217 doubles and a remarkable 164 home runs. With 1,345 hits and a batting average of .259, they continue to slug at .404, although they have recorded 1,085 strikeouts and drawn 495 walks throughout the season.
This season, the Tampa Bay Rays hold a team ERA of 3.70, ranking 7th in the league, with their pitching squad having struck out 1,261 batters. They have allowed 192 home runs and a total of 624 runs, positioning them 6th in the majors. The Rays’ pitchers have recorded 385 walks with a collective FIP of 4.03. They’ve given up 1,185 hits at a rate of 7.7 hits per 9 innings, totaling 569 earned runs. The team’s strikeout-to-walk ratio is 3.28, and they maintain a WHIP of 1.13.
This season, Rays relievers have entered high-pressure situations 157 times, earning an impressive 110 holds (ranking 1st in MLB). Their save conversion rate is at 75.0%, having successfully saved 57 out of 76 opportunities. Out of 182 inherited runners, 33.0% have scored. Tampa Bay has utilized 497 relievers thus far this season.
In defensive metrics, the Rays have converted 72.3% of balls in play into outs over 12,456 innings, which is the best rate in the league. They have recorded 4,152 putouts, 1,232 assists, and 89 errors this year. With a .984 fielding percentage, they rank 21st in MLB and have turned 97 double plays.
Steven Matz, with a career record of 65-67, has a FIP of 4.22. He has faced 4,611 batters, allowing 1,094 hits (9.1 per 9 innings) and giving up 315 walks. His career ERA stands at 4.29, with a WHIP of 1.303, and he has pitched for 1,081 innings, accumulating 997 strikeouts.
This season, the New York Yankees have hit 216 home runs and notched 681 RBIs. They have also tallied 216 doubles, worked 554 walks, and scored 713 runs. With an on-base percentage of .311 and a .235 batting average, the Yankees have recorded a SLG of .410, averaging 4.60 runs per game (9th in the league). However, they have struck out 1,415 times (6th in MLB) and amassed 1,206 hits.
The Yankees’ pitching staff has allowed 576 runs this season, holding a team ERA of 3.22. They have given up 159 home runs and yield only 3.74 runs per 9 innings, leading the league. New York has a WHIP of 1.166 and a FIP of 3.71, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 9.00 (1,390 strikeouts to 466 walks). They rank 2nd in total hits allowed with 1,151.
In terms of their bullpen, the Yankees rank 18th in the league with a save percentage of 61.1%. This season, they have called upon 512 relief pitchers, with 173 appearances in high-leverage situations and 183 with runners on base. Out of 161 save opportunities, they have secured 86 holds but also recorded 28 blown saves. The Yankees have converted 44 of 72 save chances, with 21.5% of 261 inherited runners scoring.
Defensively, the Yankees have achieved 120 double plays while maintaining a .984 fielding percentage (23rd in MLB). They have totaled 1,344 assists, 92 errors, and 4,162 putouts over 12,486 innings, resulting in a defensive efficiency rate of 71.3% (5th in professional baseball).
Throughout his career, Gerrit Cole has allowed 1,739 hits, with 2,374 strikeouts across 2,075 innings. With a record of 162-89, Cole possesses a 3.21 ERA, yielding 7.5 hits per 9 innings. He has allowed 739 earned runs and maintains a WHIP of 1.090, while his FIP stands at 3.2. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is an impressive 4.55 as he has faced 8,358 opposing batters in his professional journey.
Who do you think will take the victory in tonight’s MLB showdown against the spread or moneyline?
Prediction: Bet on New York (-144)
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