Yankees - Rays@ Tropicana field
3 Games
3 Games
After an exciting opening series win, the Yankees continue their tough opening stretch with a three game set at division rival Tampa Bay. The Rays are looking to have a bounce back year after a disappointing 2009. This Rays team is another AL juggernaut offense loaded with potential all stars: Carlos Pena, Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, Ben Zobrist, Jason Bartlett, B.J. Upton. On any given night they could slug it out with our high powered Yankees. The key to this series will be the pitching. Can the Rays starters and relievers match the Yankees pitch for pitch? Conventional wisdom would say no. They just do not have as deep of a staff as the Yankees do in either the starting five or the bullpen.
The series should be exciting nonetheless with Tampa's dynamic offense it may be a test for the Yankee middle relief to bridge the gap to Mariano. For Tampa let's see how newly acquired closer Rafael Soriano reacts in a big spot, he's not an elite closer, but definitely in that second tier.
What to watch for: Javier Vazquez makes his first start in his second stint as a Yankee. His last appearance was Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. Something we would all like to forget, but the 2009 championship may have healed those wounds with the fans and allowed for Cashman to acquire Vazquez who is a proven innings eater and a potential Cy-young candidate. It will be good for him to get his first start in on the road and get re-adjusted to those pinstripes.
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Tonight @ 7:10 p.| TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP Javier Vazquez vs. LHP David Price
Game 2: Saturday @ 3:10 p.m| TV: FOX| Radio: WCBS LHP
CC Sabathia vs. RHP Wade Davis
Game 3: Sunday@ 1:40 p.m| TV: YES, TBS| Radio: WCBS
RHP A.J. Burnett vs. RHP James Shields
RHP Javier Vazquez vs. LHP David Price
Game 2: Saturday @ 3:10 p.m| TV: FOX| Radio: WCBS LHP
CC Sabathia vs. RHP Wade Davis
Game 3: Sunday@ 1:40 p.m| TV: YES, TBS| Radio: WCBS
RHP A.J. Burnett vs. RHP James Shields
Injury Report
Yankees
- Yankees are currently at full strength on their major league roster.
- Will Aybar (Util) day-to-day with a strained left hamstring. Limited to DH duties.
- J.P Howell (P) out indefinitely with shoulder weakness. Due back in late May.
- Matt Joyce (RF) 15-Day DL. Out with a sore right elbow.
- Jeff Niemann (SP) day-to-day with a right shoulder injury. Status is TBD
