Series Standing and Probable Pitchers
The Tampa Bay Rays hold a 1-0 series lead over the New York Yankees ahead of Game 2 of the American League Division Series (ALDS), according to Associated Press reporting. The two teams are set to take the field for the next round of postseason play with the Rays seeking to extend their advantage.
Cam Schlittler is listed as the probable starting pitcher for the Yankees, while Freddy Peralta is scheduled to pitch for Tampa Bay. Schlittler enters the game with a 14-6 record and a 1.95 earned run average (ERA) during the regular season. Peralta holds a 10-11 record with a 4.42 ERA.
Betting lines listed the Yankees as favorites at -132, with the Rays at +109. The over/under for the game was set at 6 1/2 runs.
Regular Season Performance and Roster Status
The Rays finished the regular season with a 98-64 record, securing first place in the AL East division. The Yankees concluded their regular season campaign with a 93-68 record, finishing second in the division.
Tampa Bay recorded the best team on-base percentage in the American League at .326. New York’s pitching staff led the AL with a collective 3.23 ERA. The teams are playing their 15th meeting of the regular season, with Tampa Bay leading the season series 8-6.
For the Rays, top performer Yandy Diaz hit .293 with 22 home runs and 85 RBIs during the regular season. Yankees top performer Luis Garcia hit .277 with 30 home runs and 92 RBIs.
Both clubs are managing significant injury lists as they enter the postseason. The Rays have several players on the 60-day injured list, including Gavin Lux, Jon Heasley, Shane McClanahan, Edwin Uceta, Jacob Melton, and Ryan Pepiot. Griffin Jax is listed as day-to-day.
The Yankees have Aaron Judge on the 10-day injured list. Fernando Cruz, Clarke Schmidt, and Kervin Castro are on the Yankees' 60-day injured list.