Game Preview: New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays 7/3

The New York Yankees begin a huge three game series this weekend in the Bronx and Yankee Stadium against the team they are chasing in the American League East Division the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees did some maneuvering with their rotation presumably for this series and will send some of their best pitching options to the mound against Tampa including Masahiro Tanaka tonight. Facing off with Tanaka is Chris Archer, the Yankees killer, for the Rays. The game will be played at 7:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network and MLB TV.

• Tanaka is fresh off a start where he was handed an early lead that he handed right back to the Houston Astros inside Minute Maid Park. Tanaka had an early six run lead including a grand slam by Brian McCann but gave it all back resulting in a no-decision for Tanaka. The Yankees did win the game behind an offensive explosion by Chris Young but Tanaka did nothing to silence the questions and the doubters about the health of his elbow.

• Archer is coming off a tough start against the Boston Red Sox last time out where he allowed a career-high three home runs. Archer took his fifth loss of the season but comes into the start with a perfect 5-0 record and a 2.02 ERA in seven career starts against the Yankees.

The Yankees really need to come out of the Bronx this weekend with a series win, obviously a sweep would be better, if the team wants to make a serious run at the playoffs this season. It’s hard to say this is a must-win for the club or a series that they absolutely have to have this early in July because so much can go down between then and now but it helps to win the games now rather than having to rely on late season wins when everyone is at the top of their games. The Yankees know this, you all reading this know this and I know this so let’s just hope the Yankees can get it done. Go Yankees!