New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays: CC Sabathia vs. Ryne Stanek

Since last facing the Rays on Sunday, Yankee fans have had to deal with unfortunate weather in the Bronx. The result has led to just two days of baseball this week. As fans we need more baseball, and tonight’s first place fight should be a good one. With all the injuries to begin this season, the Yankees haven’t really missed a beat and today find themselves just half a game behind the Rays. CC Sabathia will get the ball and aim to move the Bombers into first place in the division.

The Yankees will roll out a different lineup than we have seen, as Gary Sanchez and Luke Voit move down a slot. Two lead off candidates in DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Hicks take the first two spots respectively. Nowhere in the lineup is there three consecutive right-handed hitters, which makes it slightly harder to decide who to turn to after Ryne Stanek is taken out.

Tampa loads the lineup with seven right-handed hitters against southpaw Sabathia. Last weekend they managed two runs in five innings against him, while Sabathia will look to correct that in the Bronx. To do so, he will have to figure out Yandy Diaz and Avisail Garcia. They were responsible for the two solo home runs allowed by Sabathia in that game.

Look to see Yonny Chirinos in this game for the Rays. He has started in just four games but has just as many innings for Tampa compared to the rest of the rotation. He is also well rested, last pitching the same game Sabathia did, where he went four innings and came up with the win.

Tonight’s game can be seen on WPIX, MLB Network (blackout restrictions apply), and ESPN. You can listen along on WFAN and WADO. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 EST. Go Yankees!