Rays/MLB

Rays up next

By MARC TOPKIN
Published September 12, 2006

UP NEXT: YANKEES

WHAT'S NEW: Since falling a season-high four games out of first place July 4, the Yankees have been on a sizzling run, going 39-21 and making up 14 games in the standings to go into play Monday with a 10-game lead over Boston and an 85-56 record that is the best in the AL. The July 30 addition of RF Bobby Abreu has been a huge help, as Abreu has hit .345 (50-for-145) in pinstripes and leads the majors in walks. They also added RHP Cory Lidle, C Sal Fasano and INF/OF Craig Wilson. Hideki Matsui, out since early May with a fractured left wrist, is scheduled to rejoin the Yankees tonight, though likely limited to DH or pinch-hit duties. The Yankees have succeeded despite an ongoing series of injuries, the latest to Jason Giambi and Mariano Rivera, and inconsistent performances, especially by Alex Rodriguez. On the other hand, Derek Jeter, who took a 20-game hitting streak into play Monday, might be having his best season.

INJURIES: Rivera is recovering from a muscle strain near his elbow and won't pitch in this series. Giambi has been out with a sore wrist, and Johnny Damon has a sore back. Gary Sheffield (left wrist) and Miguel Cairo (sore hamstring) remain sidelined.

KEEP IN MIND: Nick Green wasn't good enough to stay with the Rays but has been a helpful addition for the Yankees, starting 16 games around the infield. ... Chien-Ming Wang, who starts Thursday, has emerged as a Cy Young Award candidate with a 17-5 record and 3.60 ERA. ... Rodriguez is the sixth player in history to have at least nine straight seasons of 30 homers and 100 RBIs.

WHO'S HOT: Jeter went into play Monday on a tear, with 16 hits in his past 38 at-bats and 28 in his past 64. ... Jorge Posada is 12 for his past 24.

WHO'S NOT: Giambi snapped an 0-for-21 skid last week but is still in a 4-for-31 funk.

SERIES: This season, the Yankees lead 8-3, including 4-2 at Yankee Stadium. Overall, the Yankees lead 96-45, including 51-19 at Yankee Stadium, where they have won 17 of the 23 series, with three others tied.

WATCH FOR ...

TIM'S TIME: Rays starter Tim Corcoran hasn't won a game since a relief outing against the Yankees on July 9. He is 0-7 with a 4.97 ERA in 10 starts since and seems to get in the most trouble when he lacks command, walking 28 in his past 49 innings.

MOOSE ALERT: Yankees starter Mike Mussina has been particularly vexing for the Rays, given his 15-5 career record and 3.26 ERA against them. Rocco Baldelli has had particular problems, going 2-for-17, and Carl Crawford isn't much better at 7-for-34 with five strikeouts.

ROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD: The Rays scored a franchise record-tying 19 runs in a July 29 win at Yankee Stadium but scored just eight runs in their other five games there this season. The Rays have won eight of their past 14 in New York but are 19-51 there overall.

[Last modified September 12, 2006, 01:22:25]