The Yankees (102-55, AL East Champs) begin their final road stretch of the season with a quick two-game series vs. the Rays (93-65, 0.5 GA in second Wild Card spot) at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Yankees notes
The Yankees continue their quest for the best record in baseball, currently sitting 0.5 GB of the Astros for the top spot and 1.5 GA of the Dodgers. After a loss immediately after clinching the AL East title, New York won back-to-back games over the Blue Jays. Luis Severino pitched his way to a win and his second consecutive scoreless outing for the Yankees in their last time out, finishing with three hits allowed, zero walks and nine strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched. The Yanks are 54-20 vs. teams in the AL East, on pace for the best record by a team within their division.
| Yankees | Rays |
|---|---|
| DJ LaMahieu, 1B | Tommy Pham, LF |
| Aaron Judge, RF | Austin Meadows, RF |
| Gleyber Torres, 2B | Jesus Aguilar, DH |
| Giancarlo Stanton, DH | Travis d'Arnaud, C |
| Gio Urshela, 3B | Ji-Man Choi, 1B |
| Didi Gregorius, SS | Matt Duffy, 3B |
| Cameron Maybin, CF | Joey Wendle, 2B |
| Austin Romine, C | Willy Adames, SS |
| Tyler Wade, LF | Kevin Kiermaier, CF |
Who is starting for the Yankees?
LHP Jordan Montgomery (0-0, 13.50 ERA), who is pitching in just his second game of the season for New York and the first start. Allowed three earned runs on four hits in two innings pitched in his first time out against the Blue Jays on Sept. 15, after coming back from June 2018 Tommy John surgery. Will test out as an opener for the Yankees as they try and figure out their pitching rotation for the upcoming ALDS.
Who is starting for the Rays?
LHP Brendan McKay (2-4, 5.40 ERA), who pitched 5.0 innings against the Yankees earlier this season, giving up three earned runs on six hits in an 8-4 loss. Allowed three earned runs on three hits, while striking out three and walking one in his last time out--an 8-7 win over the Dodgers. Hasn't picked up a winning decision since August 1. Made his major-league debut this season June 29 against the Rangers, picking up the win after 6.0 innings of one-hit, one-walk baseball.
Upcoming schedule
The Yankees complete the two-game Rays series Wednesday. The Yankees have yet to name a starter, while the Rays are expected to go with RHP Charlie Morton (15-6, 3.15 ERA) on the mound, as they fight for a Wild Card spot.