The Tampa Bay Rays (78-52) will face off against the New York Yankees (62-66) in what promises to be an exciting showdown between two American League East powerhouses. The Rays, currently sitting at second place in both the league and division standings, have been in stellar form, winning 7 of their last 10 games. Led by starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (6-4, 3.347 ERA), the Rays will look to continue their winning streak and maintain their strong position in the division.
On the other side, the Yankees have been facing a challenging season, currently sitting at fifth place in the division. Despite their struggles, they are coming off a recent win and will bring a fighting spirit to this matchup. Clarke Schmidt (8-7, 4.683 ERA) will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the Yankees. With slugger Aaron Judge leading the team with 28 home runs, the Yankees will be aiming to turn their season around and make a statement against their division rivals.
The game will take place at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. It is scheduled for August 26, 2023, at 4:10 PM Eastern Time. Fans can catch all the action on BSSUN.
Key Points to Watch Out For
- Chase for the top: Both teams will be looking to strengthen their position in the highly competitive AL East division. The Rays will aim to close the gap on the division-leading Red Sox, while the Yankees will strive to climb up the standings and secure a playoff spot.
- Power hitters on display: Watch out for the long ball as the Rays’ Isaac Paredes and Jose Siri, along with the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, showcase their home run-hitting prowess. These players have been instrumental in providing offensive firepower for their respective teams.
- Pitching duel: Tyler Glasnow and Clarke Schmidt will go head-to-head on the mound, displaying their skills and repertoire. Expect a fierce battle between these two talented pitchers as they try to outwit the opposing batters.
- The return of Wander Franco: The Rays’ young star, Wander Franco, recently returned from the injured list and has provided a spark to the team. Keep an eye on his performance as he continues to make an impact with his bat and impressive defensive plays.
Injuries
Tampa Bay Rays:
- SP Jeffrey Springs (Elbow, D60)
- SP Drew Rasmussen (Flexor, D60)
- 2B Taylor Walls (Oblique, D10)
- RP Kevin Kelly (Undisclosed, D15)
- SP Shane Baz (Elbow, D60)
- SP Shane McClanahan (Forearm, D60)
- RP Garrett Cleavinger (Knee, D60)
- CF Manuel Margot (Elbow, D10)
New York Yankees:
- 3B Josh Donaldson (Calf, D60)
- RP Scott Effross (Elbow, D60)
- RP Ryan Weber (Forearm, D60)
- SP Luis Gil (Elbow, D60)
- SP Frankie Montas (Shoulder, D60)
- LF Billy McKinney (Back, D10)
- C Jose Trevino (Wrist, D60)
- 1B Anthony Rizzo (Concussion, D10)
- SP Nestor Cortes (Shoulder, D15)
- RP Lou Trivino (Elbow, D60)
As the Rays and Yankees clash at Tropicana Field, expect an intense battle for divisional dominance. Tune in to see which team will come out on top in this crucial matchup of AL East contenders.
Photo Credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
