I’m not trying to be greedy, but I keep thinking about how the Yankees could reach the break with a double digit lead in the division. Here’s how the standings line up entering tonight’s game:

So winning out this weekend would put the Yankees up 10.5 games. That’s not asking for too much, right? A victory tonight would get the Yanks one step closer.
The Yankees will face top prospect and two-way player Brendan McKay for the first time tonight, but without Gary Sánchez or Aaron Hicks in the lineup. Masahiro Tanaka is tasked with figuring out the Rays’ hitters. Here’s how everything else shakes out:
Yankees (56-29)
- DJ LeMahieu, 1B
- Aaron Judge, RF
- Edwin Encarnación, DH
- Didi Gregorius, SS
- Gleyber Torres, 2B
- Gio Urshela, 3B
- Brett Gardner, CF
- Austin Romine, C
- Mike Tauchman, LF
RHP Masahiro Tanaka
Rays (50-38)
- Austin Meadows, RF
- Tommy Pham, LF
- Kevin Kiermaier, CF
- Yandy Díaz, DH
- Nate Lowe, 1B
- Willy Adames, SS
- Joey Wendle, 2B
- Michael Brosseau, 3B
- Mike Zunino, C
LHP Brendan McKay
Notes:
- Here’s a nice thing: Sabathia will be honored prior to Tuesday’s All-Star game in Cleveland. As you know, that’s where Sabathia got his career started and established himself as a star. The Yankees don’t play again in Cleveland this season, barring a playoff matchup, so this is last opportunity to recognize the retiring 19-year veteran.
- Looks like regular rest for Hicks and Sánchez – nothing to worry about.
Tonight’s game begins at 7:10pm on YES and WFAN. Enjoy your Friday night!
Dan A.
I love that CC is getting honored at the all Star game. We’ll deserved.
Brian
Man, I really wish I knew what was going on with Frazier. Back to back starts for Tauchman (and I like him more than most).
dasit
sitting sanchez after last night?
against a lefty?
really?
lightSABR
Don’t want the Kraken pulling a tentacle.