New York @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 24, 2013 ) NY Yankees 0, Tampa Bay 3

The New York Yankees have not enjoyed their recent trips to play the Tampa Bay Rays, losing 13 of the last 16 games. The Yankees will look to change that pattern on Friday when they open a three-game series against the host Rays. New York mustered only five runs en route to dropping two of three at Tampa Bay last month. The Yankees have managed to find their way to first place in the American League East despite numerous key injuries, led by Robinson Cano’s 13 homers and 33 RBIs.

The Rays are four games back in the AL East even though they have struggled on the mound, standing 24th in the league with a 4.36 ERA going into Thursday’s games. Evan Longoria is enjoying one of his best runs for the Rays, going 25-for-63 with three homers and 14 RBIs during a career-high 16-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, My9 (New York), Sun Sports (Tampa)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankess RH David Phelps (2-2, 3.83 ERA) vs. Rays RH Roberto Hernandez (2-4, 5.24)

Phelps has pitched well in his last three starts, allowing only four runs over 19 2/3 innings despite going only 1-1. The right-hander, who began the season in the bullpen before starters Andy Pettitte and Ivan Nova went down with injuries, has struck out 46 in 42 1/3 innings. Phelps has yet to record a decision in four games (two starts) against Tampa Bay, yielding one run in 10 1/3 innings. Ben Zobrist is 2-for-4 vs. Phelps.

Hernandez recorded two strong starts before being pounded in Baltimore last Saturday, giving up five runs and eight hits in two-plus innings. The right-hander has surrendered nine homers in 44 2/3 innings and has 42 strikeouts. Hernandez is 1-5 in 11 appearances (eight starts) against the Yankees with a 7.16 ERA. Curtis Granderson is 17-for-39 with three homers and six RBIs against Hernandez.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays closer Fernando Rodney has blown four saves – two more than last season when he was 48-for-50.

2. Tampa Bay OF Matt Joyce missed Wednesday’s game with a tight hamstring, but could be ready to start Friday.

3. The Yankees acquired INF Reid Brignac from Colorado. Brignac, who played the last five seasons with the Rays, is 0-for-6 in two games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Rays 5