By mid-May standards, the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays will open a crucial three-game series at Yankee Stadium on Friday night. The Rays are surging, the Yankees are struggling, and this weekend will shape the AL East race for the summer months.
AL East Standings
Yankees: 30-21 (4½ GB)
Guardians: 30-22 (5 GB)
Athletics: 26-24 (8 GB)
White Sox: 25-24 (8½ GB)
Based on run differential, the Yankees (+67) and Rays (+40) have separated themselves from the rest of the pack eight weeks into the season. They're the AL's two best teams.
Series Matchups
- Friday: RHP Gerrit Cole vs. RHP Nick Martinez (4-1, 1.51)
- Saturday: LHP Ryan Weathers (2-2, 3.58) vs. RHP Drew Rasmussen (4-1, 3.19)
- Sunday: RHP Will Warren (3-1, 3.61) vs. LHP Shane McClanahan (5-2, 2.82)
Cole's Return
Cole will make his first start back from Tommy John surgery Friday. He last pitched in the 2024 World Series. Cole is effectively stepping into Max Fried's rotation spot after Fried suffered a bone bruise in his pitching elbow last week.
"I'm most looking forward to just competing at the highest stage," Cole said ahead of his return. "We have a first-place club coming in. They have the best record in the American League. Divisional opponent. So pretty high stakes for a Friday night in May."
The original plan had Cole making one final rehab start this week, then rejoining the rotation next week. The Yankees changed course and will bring Cole back on Friday.
"We want to be disciplined coming off a serious injury where he missed a lot of time," manager Aaron Boone told reporters.
"Didn't want to make any rash decisions just because Max was out. This isn't about that spot," Boone explained. "We were going to play the long game with this, but after talks with the trainers, pitching group, Gerrit and his support group, we felt like he's done everything he needs to be ready to compete now at this level."
Cole pitched well during his rehab assignment, striking out 28 and walking three in 29 innings. He topped out at 99.6 mph in his final rehab start last weekend—the fastest pitch since August 2023.
Also returning Friday for the Yankees will be shortstop José Caballero, who spent the minimum 10 days on the injured list with a small fracture in his right middle finger.
Rays Swept First Meeting
This is the second of four series between the two AL East rivals. The Rays swept their first meeting, a three-game set at Tropicana Field from April 10-12.