Rays vs Yankees Preview: Pitching Duel in Week 61

Yesterday the Rays dominated at Yankee Stadium. They won 4-2, and it stung. The Rays' bats came alive in the eighth inning when Aranda doubled down the line and Simpson scored. Then Palacios ripped a single that brought two more runners home. That's the kind of hitting that wins close games. The Yankees got a solo shot from Wells and a triple from Chisholm Jr., but it wasn't enough. Now Tampa Bay leads this series and comes back for more on Saturday with Drew Rasmussen ready to pitch.

Drew Rasmussen is one of the Rays' biggest stars. This season he made his first All-Star team. That's huge for a pitcher who relied on developing his skills instead of just pure power. Rasmussen's ERA sits under three runs per game, which means batters struggle to score off him. The Yankees will need their hitters sharp to crack his armor on Saturday. The Rays lean on their pitching depth year after year, and Rasmussen proves why that formula works. When you have a starter this solid, you've got a real shot to win.

New York is 30-22, sitting lower than they want. They've lost three straight games, and that streak hurts. Ryan Weathers will start for the Yankees, bringing a solid 2.2 ERA to the mound. The Yankees have firepower at the plate when everyone's healthy, but injuries are piling up fast. Giancarlo Stanton can't run yet. Jasson Dominguez just started hitting off a tee. Without their full lineup, the Yankees must scratch and claw for every run. Saturday is a chance to stop the skid and show they belong in this race.