The Tampa Bay Rays look to finish the first half of the season on a good note as they open a four-game series with the AL East leading New York Yankees tonight in the Bronx.
All eyes will be on Yankees SS Derek Jeter, who is sitting on 2997 career hits after yesterday's 1-3 effort against the Indians. Jeter has had some success against Rays starter Jeff Niemann (3-4, 5.05 ERA, 4.36 FIP), going 5-9 in his career against the right-hander. Unless Jeter re-injures his calf injury this weekend or continues his poor run of form, you'd expect him to eclipse the barrier at some point this series.
The Rays will be going up against the re-juvinated Bartolo Colon (6-3, 2.88 ERA, 3.17 FIP) who has been remarkably good after taking the entire 2010 season off. The Rays' bats finally came alive in yesterday's 12-5 win over the Twins, and guys like Evan Longoria will have to keep up their play if the Rays want to stay close in the AL East race.
Matchup: Jeff Niemann vs. Bartolo Colon
When: 7:05 PM, Yankee Stadium
TV & Radio: Sun Sports, WDAE 620