If it seems like every time the Yankees play a series against the Rays, it’s Tyler Glasnow‘s turn in the rotation it’s because it has. This will be Glasnow’s third start against the Bronx Bombers this month. On August 8th, he was pinned with the loss after allowing 4 runs over 2.2 innings in a the first of a twin-bill that day — the last time the Yankees have defeated Tampa. His August 19th start was a big improvement, pitching to 2 earned runs and two hits over 5.2 innings. He didn’t factor in the decision, a Rays 4-2 victory in New York.
For the third series in a row, Glasnow will face Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole, who K’s 10 Rays batters in both previous contests. After playing a string of terrible baseball, dropping 7 consecutive games, New York has spun off 3 victories in a now to remain 2 games behind surging Tampa in the loss column.
FANTASY MLB STRATEGY FOR TONIGHT’S GAME
DRAFTKINGS CONTEST : Lineup tips and player salaries are for the MLB $25K mini-MAX, a ‘Classic’ rules contest featuring 7 games, starting at 7:05pm EST, 4:05pm Pacific Time.
THE WISE GUYS : The oddsmakers like New York at home tonight, with a moneyline consensus Yankees -150, Rays +135. A stingy Over/Under of 7.5 suggests a low-scoring affair, probably not a good night to stack either team.
WEATHER : Game-time temps are expected to be 72° under partly cloudy skies, a southeast breeze of 8mph and a 5% chance of rain, and humidity at 55%.
FAST FACTS : Tampa is on a roll and their confidence level for clashing with the Yankees is sky high.
- The Rays have defeated the Yankees in their last 5 meetings, including a three game sweep at Yankee Stadium, covering the spread with straight up wins in all 5.
- Tampa is 8-0 straight up in their last 8 road games.
- The Over/Under has gone under in 14 of the last 20 meetings betweens these clubs at Yankee Stadium.
MATCHUPS : With momentum and a 2-game swing in the loss column on the line, we’re liking Gerrit Cole and Yankees tonight. Cole is expensive at $10,000 but that investment should pay off in strikeouts. And don’t expect him to get touched up for 3 home runs again like his last start in Atlanta. But if you are planning on Cole grooving one, consider Tampa third-baseman Yandy Diaz, a bargain at $3,700.
UPDATE: Rays OF Austin Meadows ($4,700) will not be starting.
On the offensive side for New York, Luke Voit ($4,300) has been money for over a week now and probably the best option (and value) at first base on the entire slate tonight.
Another sound pick is DJ LeMahieu at second base for $4,800. If he keeps true to form, he’ll be back up around $5,300 in no time.
And one potential sleeper pick we’re going with — The Kracken! At $4,000, sure he’s one of the more pricer backstops available, and his numbers are in the tank, but if it wasn’t a mirage yesterday and he’ll actually lay off breaking balls and sit on a fastball, we’ll see more 450+ foot dingers from Gary Sanchez real soon.
Hope this helps provide some insight for your DFS lineup tonight! Good luck and Let’s go, Yankees!
