First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET (10:05 AM PT)
Broadcast: YES Network / Bally Sports Sun
A marquee AL East matchup between two contenders: the division‑leading Rays and a Yankees team trying to keep pace. Rasmussen vs. Weathers gives this game a fascinating pitching contrast — power/command vs. lefty deception.
WEATHER OUTLOOK — YANKEE STADIUM
- Temperature: 72–75°F
- Wind: 12–15 mph out to right field
- Humidity: ~60%
- Rain: <10%
- Impact:
- Yankee Stadium is already the most lefty‑friendly HR park in MLB
- Strong wind out to RF = major boost for left-handed pull hitters
- Expect elevated HR probability
INJURY REPORT
Tampa Bay Rays
- Wander Franco — OUT (administrative leave)
- Brandon Lowe — OUT (back inflammation; IL)
- Shane McClanahan — OUT (Tommy John recovery)
- Josh Lowe — Probable (quad tightness; expected to play)
New York Yankees
- Aaron Judge — Probable (rest day Friday; no injury concern)
- Giancarlo Stanton — OUT (hamstring strain; IL)
- Anthony Rizzo — OUT (ankle fracture; IL)
- Jonathan Loáisiga — OUT (elbow surgery; IL)
STARTING PITCHING MATCHUP
Tampa Bay — RHP Drew Rasmussen
- 2026 Stats: 5–1, 2.97 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
- K/9: 9.9
- BB/9: 2.3
- Profile:
- Power fastball (96–98 mph)
- Cutter/slider combo generates weak contact
- Excellent vs right-handed hitters
- Matchup Notes:
- Yankees’ lineup is righty-heavy without Rizzo
- Rasmussen has dominated NYY historically (career 2.41 ERA vs NYY)
- Only concern: short porch + wind could punish any elevated fastballs
New York — LHP Ryan Weathers
- 2026 Stats: 3–4, 4.22 ERA, 1.31 WHIP
- K/9: 7.4
- BB/9: 3.0
- Profile:
- Sinker/slider lefty
- When command is sharp, induces ground balls
- When off, gives up HRs — especially to right-handed power
- Matchup Notes:
- Rays crush left-handed pitching (Top‑5 OPS vs LHP in MLB)
- Weathers’ sinker plays poorly vs Tampa’s launch-angle hitters
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
Tampa Bay Rays (33–15)
- Last 10: 8–2
- Road Record: 16–9
- Run Differential: +61
- Trend: Best team in AL; elite pitching + timely power
- Strength: Deep lineup, elite bullpen
- Weakness: Occasional strikeout issues
New York Yankees (30–22)
- Last 10: 5–5
- Home Record: 17–10
- Run Differential: +18
- Trend: Offense inconsistent; pitching carrying load
- Strength: Top‑tier rotation
- Weakness: Missing left-handed power bats
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
Rays Hitters vs. Weathers
- Yandy Díaz: .330 vs LHP; elite contact
- Randy Arozarena: HR threat vs sinkers; .540 SLG vs LHP
- Isaac Paredes: One of MLB’s best lefty mashers
- Josh Lowe: Wind to RF boosts his power profile
Yankees Hitters vs. Rasmussen
- Aaron Judge: HR threat vs any velocity; Rasmussen must avoid middle-in
- Gleyber Torres: Good vs cutters; strong matchup
- Alex Verdugo: Lefty bat benefits from wind + short porch
- Oswaldo Cabrera: High K-rate; tough matchup vs Rasmussen’s slider
SERIES HISTORY
- 2023–2026: Rays lead 27–22
- At Yankee Stadium: Yankees have won 6 of last 10
- Rays won the last series in April 2026 (2–1)
BETTING TRENDS
Tampa Bay
- 8–2 in last 10
- 6–1 in last 7 vs AL East
- Under is 5–2 in Rasmussen’s last 7 starts
New York
- 7–3 in last 10 home games
- 4–1 in last 5 as home underdog
- Over is 6–2 in last 8 at Yankee Stadium
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Rays 7
New York Yankees – 128
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 22, 2026
