Up next: Yankees

SCOUTING REPORT: The Yankees, who haven't missed a postseason since 1994, continue to hold a slim lead over the Red Sox in the AL East.

In fact, the Rays might have something to say about the division champion. They have seven games left against the Yankees and seven against the Red Sox. It starts tonight with a four-game series in New York followed by a four-game series at Boston.

"I have a sneaky suspicion we're going to play well," Rays manager Lou Piniella said. "I have confidence in these guys."

The Yankees, though, are on a roll. They won their fifth straight Thursday, 5-2 against the Tigers.

Good news for the Rays is they'll miss Yankees starters Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens.

DISABLED LIST: RHP Steve Karsay, RHP Jon Lieber, OF David Dellucci.

CONNECTIONS: Piniella played for the Yankees from 1974 until he retired in 1984. He managed the Yankees from 1986 to 1988 and served as general manager in 1987-88. Yankees backup catcher John Flaherty played for the Rays from 1998 to 2002. Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer lives in Treasure Island in the offseason.

SEASON SERIES: The Yankees lead the season series 8-4, including 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees lead all-time 59-26, including 31-10 at Yankee Stadium.