Previewing the Yankees and the Rays

Aug 2, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Shane Greene (61) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two

Another of the Yankees’ unexpected pitching saviors returns to the mound on Saturday for the second game of the series, as Shane Greene will look to continue his recent success. Since he is a rookie, he has never faced the Rays, but if he remains with the big club, he’ll get his fair share before it’s all said and done. He sports a 3-1 record, with a 2.89 ERA. His best outing so far in 2014, was against the Detroit Tigers a week ago Thursday, as he tossed 8+ shutout innings, scattering 5 hits and striking out 5. He’ll try and keep an inconsistent Rays’ lineup from doing much damage.

On the other side of the field, former Tigers’ hurler Drew Smyly, has allowed only a .208 BAA to this group of Yankees hitters. Last Monday, in only his second start for the Rays, he picked up his first win for his new team, pitching 7 2/3 innings, and not allowing a single earned run against the Texas Rangers.

The Yankees, if they hope to get the Saturday victory, will have to get to Smyly early, as he tends to get in a pretty good groove if he’s able to turn over a lineup once or twice without issue. The Rays’ bullpen and the Yankees’ bats will determine this outcome.