Published Jul 7, 8:02pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jul 7, 8:02pm ET
Shutterstock
Updated Jul 7, 8:02pm ET
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| Tampa Bay Rays | -122 |
| New York Yankees | +111 |
Gerrit Cole has been inconsistent as he tries to regain his form after Tommy John surgery.
The veteran righty rebounded nicely against the Twins after having two poor starts against the Tigers and Red Sox. In the victory over Minnesota, he tossed 5 innings, allowed 5 hits, 2 earned runs, walked none, and struck out 7.
New York is still protecting him, keeping him at around a maximum of 90 pitches. For the season, he's posted a 0.7 bWAR and a 4.01 ERA. In 42.2 innings, he's allowed 41 hits, 19 earned runs, and 8 homers, walking 19 and striking out 41.
Now that Carlos Rodon is on the injured list with elbow inflammation, it's even more important that Cole find his form or gets as close to it as he can at age 35.
The Yankees' offense continues to have issues apart from Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt. Cody Bellinger's batting average has dropped below .250. Jazz Chisholm, Anthony Volpe, and Trent Grisham are up and down. Austin Wells should not be an everyday player in MLB.
Against Shane McClanahan, Volpe is 1 for 4 with a home run. Jose Caballero is 1 for 1 with a single. Amed Rosario is 3 for 6 with 3 singles.
Shane McClanahan is finally back on the mound, taking his regular turn after missing all of 2024-25 with Tommy John surgery and a nerve issue in his triceps. The lefty is a 2X All-Star and finished 6th in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2022.
In 2026, he's got a 1.3 bWAR and a 3.05 ERA. Over 79.2 frames, he's surrendered 65 hits, 33 earned runs, 6 homers, walking 28, and striking out 77.
Tampa is again maximizing its roster even though big chunks of their offense are batting in the low-.200s. Their three constants are Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, and Yandy Diaz. Caminero is near the league leaders in home runs, has an OPS over .920, and is an MVP contender. Aranda and Diaz have OPS's over .830.
For the Rays against Cole, Diaz is 14 for 54 with 2 doubles and 2 home runs. Cedric Mullins is 11 for 33 with a double and a home run. Aranda is 0 for 3 with a strikeout.
Both pitchers are coming off lost seasons due to injuries. Cole has had more of a struggle than McClanahan, but McClanahan has also had his issues. The Bombers are still having challenges at the plate and need to make some decisions on empty spots in their lineup in the very near future.
Tampa is trying to hold onto 1st place and expand their lead while New York is reeling. In this matchup, the Rays will get to Cole and McClanahan will hold the Yankees in check so Tampa can take the win.
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Pick
Tampa Bay Rays -122
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