Yankees vs. Rays: Game 2 Predictions, Odds and Picks - July 20, MLB 2024 

The New York Yankees started their second half of the season with a bang after taking out the Tampa Bay Rays with ease. The opening game of their three-game series was entertaining for fans, especially with all the events that unfolded at Yankee Stadium with Gerrit Cole being penalized for a pitch clock violation during his warmup, which left many surprised.

Juan Soto scored an epic inside-the-park home run at the cost of Randy Arozorena's error. Anthony Volpe had a base-clearing double and the Yankees won by a 6-1 final score. Nestor Cortes Jr. will go up on the mound to try and get some strikeouts in the next game. Cortes will look to help his team secure the series win.

The Tampa Bay Rays offense crumbled against Cole as they scored only one run. Cole dominated the opponent with eight strikeouts while the bullpen maintained the win. Things didn't go well with Zach Eflin on the mound as the Yankees' offense opened up to score big numbers.

The Rays will turn to Taj Bradley next as they look to tie the series. Despite being a rookie, the pitcher's 2024 season has seen him register a 4-4 record with a 2.90 ERA. When it comes to strikeouts, Bradley has 85 in 68-plus innings pitched.

Yankees vs. Rays Baseball Betting Odds

New York Yankees	-145	-1.5 (+140)	U 8.5 (-115)
Tampa Bay Rays	+120	+1.5 (-165)	O 8.5 (-105)

Where to watch Yankees vs. Rays?

The second game of the series will be telecasted on YES Network, Bally Sports Sun and MLBN. The online stream can be watched on Fubo TV and with the MLB TV subscription. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.

Yankees vs. Rays Prediction

The Bronx Bombers have a great chance of winning the series on Saturday. It will be an interesting outing for Cortes, while Bradley will likely not stand a chance against a powerful Yankees offense. The Bronx Bombers seem to have an easy opportunity to take top spot in the AL East standings. The Yankees (59-40) are currently second behind the Baltimore Orioles (59-38).

The Rays (48-49) turned out to be a struggling team this season. Clinching a ticket to the playoffs seems doubtful for now, as pitching has been a struggle for them so far this season. When it comes to the numbers, the Yankees rank higher in runs scored with a strong team ERA. Expect the Yankees to seal the series next time out.

Prediction: New York Yankees -1.5 (-145)