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New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Preview, Predictions and Picks for April 18, 2025

Updated on:
Apr 19, 2025 12:42 AM
The New York Yankees, riding high with a 12-7 record and a first-place standing in the AL East, look to build on their momentum as they face off against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, April 18th at 7:05 PM at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Coming off a strong 4-hit performance, Yankees' Rice will aim to replicate that success against the Rays, who are struggling with an 8-11 overall record. Can the Yankees keep their hot streak going and take a 2-0 lead in the regular season series?
New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays

Current Odds

NYY
TB
Over
9.0
+105
Under
9.5
-122
NYY
+1.5
-157
TB
-1.5
+149
NYY
ML
+125
TB
ML
-130

Yankees vs Rays statistics

Stat Yankees Rays
Hits 165 (6th) 169 (5th)
Batting Average .260 (4th) .270 (3rd)
Runs Batted In 109 (2nd) 81 (11th)
Runs 113 (2nd) 84 (Tied-12th)
Home Runs 34 (Tied-1st) 20 (Tied-13th)
Walks 73 (6th) 59 (Tied-21st)
Stolen Bases 15 (15th) 24 (Tied-5th)
Strikeouts 174 (23rd) 152 (Tied-12th)
Pitches 2889 (5th) 2784 (16th)

Tampa Bay Rays recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
4/17/25 vs New York Yankees L 6-3
4/16/25 vs Boston Red Sox L 1-0
4/15/25 vs Boston Red Sox L 7-4
4/14/25 vs Boston Red Sox W 16-1
4/13/25 vs Atlanta Braves W 8-3

New York Yankees recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
4/17/25 @ Tampa Bay Rays W 6-3
4/16/25 vs Kansas City Royals W 4-3
4/15/25 vs Kansas City Royals W 4-2
4/14/25 vs Kansas City Royals W 4-1
4/13/25 vs San Francisco Giants L 5-4

Tampa Bay Rays injuries

  • Jonathan Hernandez (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Dominic Keegan (C): Day-To-Day
  • Jonny DeLuca (RF): 10-Day-IL
  • Kevin Kelly (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Xavier Isaac (1B): Day-To-Day

New York Yankees injuries

  • Brennen Davis (CF): Day-To-Day
  • Clayton Beeter (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Marcus Stroman (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Scott Effross (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • DJ LeMahieu (3B): 10-Day-IL

Yankees vs Rays game info

Type Info
Venue George M. Steinbrenner Field
Location Tampa, Florida
First pitch Fri 7:05 PM
Temperature 87°
Chance of Rain 0%

Yankees vs Rays predictions

Baseball fans are all on high alert as the New York Yankees gear up to take on the Tampa Bay Rays. One Yankee to look out for is Aaron Judge, whose incredible .400 batting average and seven home runs make him a substantial threat at the plate. His ability to capitalize on opportunities is going to be key. Judge isn't the only one coming in strong for the Yankees. Ben Rice's recent four-hit performance is causing quite a buzz. He’s projected to keep that momentum going, and could be a crucial component in today's clash, maybe even sneaking in a few more hits. Carlos Rodon will take the mound for the Yankees, hoping to put up a solid performance. His ability to deliver strikeouts and keep earned runs low could indeed shape the outcome of the game.

On the Rays side of the diamond, Junior Caminero is making waves with his powerful swing. With a .270 batting average and five home runs under his belt, Caminero is one player who could disrupt the Yankees' strategy. If he finds his groove early, he might add another homer to his count. Then there's Jonathan Aranda, holding a sturdy .377 batting average. The combination of these players spells trouble for Yankees' pitching. And speaking of pitching, the Rays are banking on Drew Rasmussen to help them outwit the Yankees' hitters. He's got the potential to keep the opposition's score under tabs, given his knack for earning those strikeouts.

When it comes to predicting who might walk away victorious, the Yankees have a slight upper hand. Their stronger overall record and recent performances hold promise. If they can leverage Judge’s power and Rice’s newfound form, they should be able to capitalize against the Rays' pitching strategy. That said—never count the Rays out. If their key players can step up and put pressure on the Yankees early, we could be in for a nail-biter of a game. Ultimately, it's anyone's guess who will clinch the win, but as it stands now, the Yankees are the ones to beat. What do you think? Will Judge and company seal the deal, or will the Rays rise up to the challenge?

Tampa Bay Rays

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