Rays vs Yankees Picks and Odds – Aug 20

• The Tampa Bay Rays go for the sweep on Thursday, August 20th against the New York Yankees, with first pitch set for 1:05 pm ET
• New York had won six in a row before a pair of losses to Tampa
• Find the odds, analysis and a pick for the game in the article below

The New York Yankees are still the top team in the AL East, but the Tampa Bay Rays are now hot on their trail — and have a chance to take over the division lead — entering the final game of their season on Thursday, August 20th at 1:05 pm ET.

Tampa has taken five of six against the Yankees, practically the only team to have their number this year.

New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays Odds

Odds taken Aug. 20

About Last Night

The Rays rallied with two eighth-inning runs to take a 4-2 victory over the Yankees on Wednesday. Willy Adames stayed hot, going 2-for-4, and now has at least a hit in eight of his past nine games.

The Glas was Kraken tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4D2TGv24Nr

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) August 20, 2020

For Tampa, Wednesday’s win clinches the three-game series against the Yankees. The Rays took game one on Tuesday, 6-3, thanks to a four-run third inning and a stout bullpen.

Five of these teams’ six meetings this year have been decided by three or fewer runs.

Paxton Back to Bringing Heat

James Paxton had offseason back surgery, which would’ve kept him out of the early stages of the 2020 season had the COVID-19 pandemic not taken care of that for him. So instead, he started the year on time.

And after a reduced fastball velocity in his earlier starts, Paxton was back to pumping 95 mph in his most recent start against Boston.

JAMES PAXTON HIT 95MPH. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.https://t.co/zezifeovUK

— The Short Porch (@short_porch) August 15, 2020

That bodes well for the Yankees and for Paxton, who managed a no-decision against the Rays (6 1/3 innings, three runs allowed and 11 strikeouts) a couple of weeks ago. Tampa Bay did win that game though, 4-3.

Rays Career Stats vs Paxton

Who Is John Curtiss?

If you’re looking at the pitching matchup and not recognizing the name of the Rays’ starter, you’re not alone. John Curtiss, 27, is a journeyman right-hander with a career 5.70 ERA in 21 appearances (zero starts).

Curtiss will “open” against the Yankees, meaning he won’t be called on to pitch more than an inning or two. He has a 0.00 ERA in 4 2/3 innings in his career against the Yankees, with only one hit allowed and seven strikeouts. That includes a pair of scoreless innings this year.

John Curtiss, filthy 87mph Slider (grip/release/movement). 😷⚔️ [h/t @JackGriffiin ] pic.twitter.com/0pPMN7ZYH9

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 26, 2017

When he’s finished, he’ll give way to the Rays’ bullpen, which hasn’t been as potent this year (4.09 ERA, 13th in MLB) as in recent past. That bullpen did hold the Yankees to just two hits and no runs on Wednesday, but it required the work of five relievers.

Yankees Career Stats vs Curtiss

Power Outage

The Yankees’ lack of offense in recent days could be at least in part attributed to the injury absences of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu.

Missing arguably their three most productive players — guys who would all hit in the heart of the lineup anywhere in the sport — is a tough blow to overcome.

Giancarlo Stanton on his continued injury issues:

"Words can't really describe the disappointment I've had over this" pic.twitter.com/4625HXjEUk

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) August 17, 2020

So far in this series, the Rays are making the Yankees pay for that. On Thursday, it’ll probably happen again.

Pick: Tampa Bay Rays, +120