The Tampa Bay Rays travel to Yankee Stadium on Monday night to take on the New York Yankees in an all-AL East battle. Here’s our prediction for the Rays vs Yankees prediction. Both teams are heading in opposite directions as they enter this crucial series, with playoff implications on the line. The Yankees are in second place in the AL East and trying to fend off the surging Red Sox. The Rays have started to fade and are currently in fourth place in the American League East division. Betting Preview for Rays vs Yankees Betting on the Tampa Bay Rays The Rays are on a slide, having dropped four of their last five and struggling to find momentum. With the Trade Deadline looming, Tampa Bay may look to offload veterans if this New York series goes badly. Rasmussen has been steady on the mound and gives the Rays their best chance to snap the slump. However, the lineup has struggled to back up strong pitching with runs. Betting on the New York Yankees The Yankees are coming off a tough series against the Phillies where they were heavily outscored. They’re missing their key offensive leader in Aaron Judge, but new additions Amed Rosario and Ryan McMahon provide some relief. Rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler will get the nod and look to contain a Rays team low on confidence. MatchPlug Prediction for Rays vs Yankees This matchup features a solid veteran arm in Rasmussen against a rookie who is still finding his footing. While the Yankees have home advantage and a slightly deeper lineup, the absence of Judge and their recent struggles make them vulnerable.  Tampa Bay may be slumping, but they’ve got the better starting pitcher in Game 1. Final Prediction: Yankees 

The Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers open a new series on Monday, July 28. Read our preview for the Dodgers vs Reds game. Both teams are chasing postseason spots, and this matchup could have big playoff implications. The Reds are 56-50, just one game out of a wild card spot. The Dodgers are 61-45 and are trying to protect their lead in the NL West. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts for the Dodgers, while the Reds will go with top prospect Chase Burns. Betting Preview for Dodgers vs Reds Match Betting on the Los Angeles Dodgers The Dodgers have a strong team, but they’ve looked shaky lately, losing six of their last nine games. They’re 26-24 on the road and just dropped two of three games to the Red Sox. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been consistent, posting a 2.55 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. However, he hasn’t gone deep into games lately, which exposes the Dodgers’ shaky bullpen. He gave up four runs in his only previous outing against the Reds. Offensively, Shohei Ohtani is on fire with 6 home runs and 11 RBIs in his last 10 games. Will Smith is also hitting well. But Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández are struggling in July. Betting on the Cincinnati Reds The Reds are just one game back in the wild card race and are strong at home with a 31-22 record. They just swept the Rays and are playing with confidence. Chase Burns is still looking for his first MLB win. He has an 0-2 record and 6.65 ERA, but his strikeout stuff is electric with 35 Ks in 21.2 innings. Burns has given up two or fewer runs in two of his last three outings. The Reds lineup isn’t elite, but they’ve been producing. Spencer Steer and Nolvei Marte are contributing RBIs, and the team is scoring 4.6 runs per game. Their team ERA of 3.90 ranks 13th. MatchPlug Prediction for Dodgers vs Reds  This game feels closer than the records suggest. The Dodgers have more star power, but their bullpen has been inconsistent, and they’ve struggled on the road. Meanwhile, the Reds are strong at home and Burns has the kind of raw talent that can surprise. Our prediction for Monday’s clash is a narrow Reds win, or at least a close one that covers the spread. Final Prediction: