While America celebrates it’s independence today, the Yankees are still celebrating their current independence in the AL East. But after dropping two straight games to the in-division Rays, along with the Orioles winning last night, that first place margin is getting slimmer and the teams trailing behind the Yankees are starting to catch up.
The bombers need to spark a few fireworks of their own this afternoon, as their recent hot bats seemed to have cooled down a bit as of late. It’ll be a tough task for them today though, facing Rays ace, David Price. Not only has Price been known to dominate the Yankees, but Tropicana Field has also been antagonizing them as well. The Yankees lost nine in a row down in Tampa and the Rays have the upper hand over them with a 7-4 regular season record between the two clubs.
Missing their own ace, C.C. Sabathia, the Yankees will try to fill that huge void with David Phelps, who will be starting on the mound today. He’s only been called on for a starting role twice this season and pitched relatively well, but didn’t earn a win in either game. He has big shoes to fill today replacing Sabathia, he’ll either be able to respond in a big way or buckle under the pressure.
New York Yankees (48-32)
Derek Jeter, SS
Curtis Granderson, CF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, DH
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Andruw Jones, LF
Russell Martin, C
Jayson Nix, 3B
Pitching: RHP David Phelps (1-3, 3.16 ERA)
Game Time: 3:10 pm ET at Tropicana Field
TV: YES, MLBN
Radio: WCBS 880, WADO 1280
