Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees, 7/28/17: Lineups & Preview
SEATTLE, WA - JULY 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on July 22, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

The New York Yankees are looking to make it three in a row as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays the second of four from Yankee Stadium.

After a thrilling walk-off win on Thursday night, the New York Yankees are back at it against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night in hopes to take the first two in a four-game series in the Bronx.



Taking the hill for the Bombers will be Masahiro Tanaka, who is still on the hunt for some consistency as New York prepares for a legitimate postseason run. He did not record a decision in the Yankees’ 6-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Saturday at Seattle after giving up four earned runs — and two homers — across six innings of work. Despite fanning at least eight in five of his last eight starts, Tanaka is winless in his last three.

Tanaka has turned a corner when compared to the roughest stretch of his career. Over his last six starts, the righty is 2-2 with a 3.46 ERA and has tossed at least seven innings in three of them. In his previous seven, he surrendered 33 runs over 33.1 innings (8.91 ERA).

Austin Pruitt was recalled from Triple-A Durham to make just his second career start. His first came back on April 25 against the Baltimore Orioles and was chosen to start just 30 minutes before first pitch due to inclement weather. The righty registered three scoreless innings and gave up just one hit — a double to Jonathan Schoop. He made four starts with Durham and went 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA.

Lineups:

Player To Watch: Evan Longoria

Every time this slugger steps foot into Yankee Stadium, one should note the success he endures in the Bronx. In 72 games Longoria is slashing .287/.352/.530 with 16 home runs — the third-most in any visiting ballpark he has played in.

Bank On Chase:

Yankees’ first baseman Chase Headley reached base safely four times during Thursday’s 6-5 win over the Rays and is on an absolute hot streak. Since July 9, he has gone 21-for-53 (.396) with 10 runs scored and five doubles. He has also hit safely in 13 straight starts in a stretch in which he is hitting .407 with six doubles.

Night And Day:

Tanaka’s night/day splits are an indication that perhaps the 28-year-old’s ace-like stuff is nocturnal. In 14 night starts, he is 7-4 with a 3.32 ERA and a WHIP of 1.042. When the sun comes out, however, he is 0-5 with a 14.81 ERA in six starts including 14 home runs surrendered over 20.2 innings of work.



How To Watch: 

  • Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
  • Channel: YES Network, MLBN (out of market only), FOX Sports Sun
  • Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM
  • Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY