Yankees, Rays Open Series in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The New York Yankees, looking to rebound from a shutout loss, visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night to open a three-game series at George Steinbrenner Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EDT under clear skies with a temperature around 70 degrees.

The Yankees (8-4) arrive after a 1-0 home loss to on Thursday, despite a strong eight-inning, one-run outing from starter Ryan Weathers. New York, which had won seven of its previous nine, was held to three hits.

Tampa Bay (5-7) dropped two of three to the Chicago Cubs this week, including a 6-2 loss Wednesday. The Rays have lost four of their last six games.

Weathers (1-2, 3.06 ERA) is slated to start for New York on short rest after throwing 108 pitches in Thursday’s complete-game loss. The left-hander has been a workhorse, logging at least seven strikeouts in three of his four starts this season.

The Rays will counter with right-hander Jesse Scholtens (0-1, 3.86 ERA). In his last start, Scholtens held the Cubs scoreless over 4 2/3 innings but did not factor in the decision.

According to Interstat, the Yankees are projected favorites with a 59% win probability. Their game simulator predicts a 7-5 New York victory. The betting market lists the Yankees as a -1.5 run favorite with an over/under of 8.5 runs.

Following this series, the Yankees return home for a long homestand against the Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals. The Rays embark on a six-game road trip to Chicago and Pittsburgh starting Tuesday.