Tampa Bay @ New York preview
Yankee Stadium
Last Meeting ( Jun 23, 2013 ) Tampa Bay 3, NY Yankees 1
The New York Yankees are prepared for a much-celebrated return to their lineup - and we're not talking about Alex Rodriguez. Multiple reports have Alfonso Soriano heading back to New York on Friday - just in time for the opener of the Yankees' three-game series against the American League East-rival Tampa Bay Rays. Soriano, who began his career playing in New York from 1999-2003, was removed from the Chicago Cubs' lineup on Thursday as the team awaited a formal waiver of his no-trade clause.
While Soriano is expected back in the Bronx, Rodriguez acknowledged that he and the team's brass "crossed signals" once again before the veteran later admitted that he was "an employee" and accepted the team's request for a rehab assignment as he deals with a quad strain. New York is coming off a four-game split with Texas, while Tampa Bay remains one-half game behind AL East-leading Boston after the clubs were rained out on Thursday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SUN (Tampa Bay), WWOR (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (9-3, 4.62 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (9-8, 4.37)
Hellickson posted his fifth consecutive victory on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits over as many innings in a 4-3 triumph over Toronto. The 26-year-old has handcuffed New York in his career, winning three of four decisions while holding the Yankees to just a .216 batting average. With Hellickson getting the nod on Friday, rookie Chris Archer - who originally was slated to start that contest - will get the call on Saturday.
Sabathia was in no mood to party as Boston spoiled his 33rd birthday by rolling up seven runs on nine hits in five innings on Sunday. The hefty lefty has struggled versus Tampa Bay this season, posting a 1-2 mark with an inflated 7.29 ERA. Sabathia walked away with the victory on June 22 despite permitting five runs on six hits over seven frames in New York's 7-5 win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rays rookie RF Wil Myers, who is 18-for-36 in his last nine games, went 2-for-3 with a homer and four RBIs against Sabathia on June 22.
2. Soriano has belted eight home runs in July. By comparison, the Yankees have mustered an AL-worst seven.
3. Tampa Bay will make up its rainout with Boston on Monday.
PREDICTION: Rays 4, Yankees 3