YGY Series Preview Show: Rays-Yankees (6/20-6/23)

The New York Yankees (39-32) played two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. Thanks to Dodgers’ errors and Ichiro Suzuki‘s home run, the Yankees found a way to take the first game with Hiroki Kuroda on the mound. As for Game 2, the story was the same in a negative way as Phil Hughes struggled to get thru six innings and the offense came up flat against Chris Capuano, who was making his first start since May off of the disabled list. The Bronx Bombers also took a major hit on the injury front with Kevin Youkilis needing back surgery and Mark Teixeira going back on the DL with the same wrist injury. With the Toronto Blue Jays on the rise, New York is in grave danger of maybe falling into last place by the end of the weekend. Fortunately, their opponent is facing some injury concerns themselves.

Yankees fans will get their first dose of Wil Myers this weekend as the Rays’ outfielder continues his first weekend in the big leagues. (Photo Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays (37-35) also played a doubleheader this week against the Boston Red Sox and lost both games. Tampa Bay fans are excited about the recent call-up of outfielder Wil Myers. Myers had a RBI double for Tampa Bay in their 6-2 win on Wednesday against Boston to avoid the sweep. The Rays’ offense has not been the problem this season, as they are 7th in the league in runs scored. Unfortunately, even with the success of Matt Moore, Tampa’s pitching staff is in disarray as they are 27th in the MLB in ERA. Even though David Price is starting his rehab assignment on Friday, the team may have lost one of their young pitchers, Alex Cobb, for the season after being hit in the head by a line drive last weekend. Plus, the Yankees at least have the confidence to take a series from the Rays after they took two of three from them in Tropicana Field last month. Can Joe Maddon‘s bunch return the favor in Yankee Stadium?

On the Yanks Go Yard Series Preview Show presented by BaldVinny.com, I recapped the Yankees’ doubleheader split against the Dodgers as well as the injuries to Teixeira and Youkilis. Then, I talk with David Hill from RaysColoredGlasses.com about the impact of Wil Myers’ call-up, the injury to Alex Cobb, the health of Evan Longoria, and if there are still concerns spot at closer with Fernando Rodney. Plus, David gives the X-Factor to watch on the Rays’ side this weekend.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE RAYS-YANKEES SERIES PREVIEW SHOW!