The Tampa Bay Rays (63-54) are on the road again for a three game series against the New York Yankees (71-45). The Yankees are currently in second-place in the AL East, trailing the Boston Red Sox by one game, while the Rays in third place, sitting 8.5 games behind the Yanks.
While the Rays are far enough out of the Rays that their playoff odds stand at a minuscule 2.3%, they can still make a stand over the remaining months of the season. They have a remaining 19 games left against the Yankees and Red Sox, so if the Rays hold their fate in their hands. They'd have to win the vast majority of those games to seriously have a chance at the playoffs, but still, the opportunity is there. And if nothing, they have the chance to play the annoying pest team that won't go away.
The Rays have the pitching advantage in this weekend's series, as they are throwing their three best starters against the Yankees: Price, Hellickson, and Shields. If their offense decides to show up against Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia, they have a very good shot at winning the series.
_________________________________________________________________________
Friday, 7:05pm -- David Price vs. CC Sabathia
Saturday, 4:10pm -- Jeremy Hellickson vs. Phil Hughes
Sunday, 1:05pm -- James Shields vs. Freddy Garcia
Available On: Sun Sports, WDAE 620, YES Network