New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Jordan Montgomery vs. Charlie Morton

The Yankees close out their season series against the division rival Tampa Bay Rays in what, judging off of last night’s escapades, will surely be much-watch television even for those not all that interested in the results of the game.

Jordan Montgomery (2-1, 4.44 ERA, 3.72 FIP) will be on the hill for the Yankees tonight. He pitched well in his last start, giving up three runs (two earned) in five innings against the New York Mets. Although he has pitched well, he has struggled to go deep into games — he went only 49 and 68 pitches in his last two starts, respectively — in part due to the start/stop nature of the season affecting his stamina.

Opposing him will be Charlie Morton (1-1, 5.40 ERA, 4.53 FIP), returning from a three-week stint on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. Although he had been throwing at the alternate site, the right-handed pitcher is not expected to go beyond three innings tonight. His last outing came on August 9 — coincidentally, against the Yankees.

Here is the lineup of targets that Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza will be sending to the plate against Tampa Bay’s stable of arms. Fresh off a great night in right field defensively, Clint Frazier gets the half-day off as the designated hitter, with Tauchman slotting into right field.

And for the Rays, courtesy of bench coach Matt Quatraro:

With the bad blood between these two teams, it would not be surprising if neither bench coach — both filling in for suspended managers — ends up finishing the game in the clubhouse.

First pitch is expected for 7:05, pending weather. You can catch it on the YES Network (which you can stream on FOX Sports GO) or listen along on either WFAN 660 or 101.9 FM, WADO 1280.

Let’s go Yankees!