The Yankees (55-29, 6.5 GA in AL East) travel to Tampa Bay to face their AL East-rival Rays (50-37, 6.5 GB in AL East) in a pivotal series before the All-Star break on Thursday at 5:10 p.m.
Yankees notes
Gleyber Torres made the All-Star team after Rays 2B Brandon Lowe had to go on the IL with a right shin contusion. ...DJ LeMahieu didn't go hitless for long, as he hit two doubles against the Mets last night. ...The Yankees have won 8 of their last 10 games heading into tonight. ...Domingo German returned last night for the Yankees after his IL stint, tossing six solid innings allowing only a solo homer to Jeff McNeil to collect the win.
| Yankees | Rays |
|---|---|
| DJ LeMahieu, 3B | Yandy Diaz, 1B |
| Aaron Hicks, CF | Tommy Pham, LF |
| Gary Sanchez, C | Austin Meadows, DH |
| Didi Gregorius, SS | Avisail Garcia, RF |
| Edwin Encarnacion, DH | Michael Brosseau, 3B |
| Gleyber Torres, 2B | Willy Adames, SS |
| Mike Ford, 1B | Joey Wendle, 2B |
| Mike Tauchman, RF | Travis d'Arnaud, C |
| Brett Gardner, LF | Guillermo Heredia, CF |
Who is starting for the Yankees?
LHP J.A. Happ (5.23 ERA/1.28 WHIP) who is looking to reverse his fortunes following his dud against the Astros last time out. He allowed eight runs on 11 hits (three homers) while striking out two and walking none over four innings.
Happ's performance so far in the first half hasn't been what the Yankees had hoped for, but he can finish it off with a strong start tonight.
Who is starting for the Rays?
RHP Yonny Chirinos (3.10 ERA/1.00 WHIP), who had a decent outing in his last start. He allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits while striking out five and walking four over six innings.
The Rays have lost in five of Chrinios' last six starts.
Upcoming schedule
The Yankees continue their series with the Rays on Friday night at 7:10 p.m. in Tampa.