Coming off a series split with Toronto, the Yankees (87-50) head back home to face the slumping Tampa Bay Rays (72-64). The Rays have slipped seven games out of the wild card hunt, and the Yankees are maintaining a steady lead for the best record in the American League.
Head-to-Head:
The Yanks are 6-5 against the Rays this season, and still have three to play at Tampa after this four-game series.
Pitching Matchups:
| Date: | Rays starters | Yankees starters |
| Mon., 1:05 p.m. | Matt Garza (7-9, 4.01) | CC Sabathia (16-7, 3.48) |
| Mon., 7:05 p.m. | A. Sonnanstine (6-8, 6.62) | A.J. Burnett (10-8, 4.29) |
| Tues., 7:05 p.m. | David Price (7-7, 4.75) | Chad Gaudin (5-10, 4.98) |
| Wed., 7:05 p.m. | Jeff Niemann (12-5, 3.67) | J. Chamberlain (8-5, 4.41) |
My Outlook:
The Rays have really been struggling lately, and the Yankees should have the momentum with their Nos. 1 and 2 going in the doubleheader. In a squeezed four-game series like this, low-scoring games are not too common. Expect some offensive outbursts from these two clubs as the series drags out.
Remaining opponents weighted winning percentage: 50.6 percent
Magic Number: 19
