Yankees Open Pivotal Four-Game Set Against AL East-Leading Rays

Tampa Bay brings a six-game division lead into Yankee Stadium for a four-game series that could decide the American League East race.

The New York Yankees begin a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, September 22, with the American League East lead on the line. The Rays enter the series at 95-60, six games ahead of the 89-66 Yankees, who sit atop the American League Wild Card standings.

The series opens with a doubleheader on September 22. Per FanGraphs, Carlos Rodon and Drew Fried are the listed starters for New York against Tampa Bay's Nick Martinez and Drew Rasmussen. Gerrit Cole faces Steven Matz on September 23, and Cam Schlittler matches up with Ian Seymour on September 24. Matz has typically worked out of the bullpen, suggesting the Rays may treat that game as a bullpen day.

All seven of New York's remaining games are at home, with three against the Baltimore Orioles following the Rays series. Tampa Bay finishes the season entirely on the road, closing with three games at the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Yankees remain shorthanded. Aaron Judge returned to the injured list September 16 with a coleus calf strain, and ESPN reports no timetable for his return. Giancarlo Stanton (strained calf), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (strained thumb), Trent Grisham (strained hamstring) and pitcher Ryan Weathers (forearm strain) are also sidelined. Ben Rice leads the offense with 39 home runs and 95 RBIs.

Tampa Bay arrives healthier, headlined by third baseman Junior Caminero's 41 home runs and 97 RBIs, while Jonathan Aranda has contributed 22 homers and 92 RBIs. The Rays are without Gavin Lux (shoulder impingement), Jacob Melton (strained hamstring), and pitchers Shane McLanahan (forearm tightness) and Ryan Pepiot (hip surgery).