Yankees at Rays 9/27/18 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Thursday MLB schedule will get underway with a matchup between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays from Tropicana Field. Last night, SP Masahiro Tanaka allowed four runs and lasted just four innings during a 8-7 loss. Neil Walker connected on a three-run shot for the Yankees, who lead Oakland by two games for home field advantage in next week’s AL Wild Card game.

Thirty-eight year old southpaw C.C. Sabathia (8-7 3.77 ERA) will take the mound for the Yankees in this matchup. Last time out, Sabathia allowed six hits and two runs during a 10-8 victory versus Baltimore. The Tampa Bay Rays are 21 games above .500 at home this season and have been one of the pleasant surprise teams in the majors this season. On Wednesday, Tommy Pham hit a solo shot in the third inning to put the Rays ahead for good. Willy Adames had two hits and drove in a pair of runs for the Rays, who have been eliminated from postseason contention.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash has yet to name a starting pitcher for the series finale. The Rays have used relievers and openers with plenty of success and rank third in the majors with a 3.66 team ERA.