The New York Yankees (57–49) and Tampa Bay Rays (54–53) meet for Game 2 of their four-game series tonight in a critical American League East showdown.
The Yankees fell to the Rays last night 4-2, despite a solid bullpen effort, allowing just one run in 5.2 innings after starter Cam Schlitter, a rookie, allowed just three runs in just over four innings.
A Pitcher’s Duel
Expect tonight’s matchup to be another pitcher’s duel as the Yankees’ ace Max Fried and the Rays’ Joe Boyle take the mound.
Fried has been the Yankees’ most consistent starter. He leads the rotation with a 2.62 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 127.1 innings. His ability to keep hitters off-balance with his changeup and cutters has been key to New York’s success, especially at home.
Boyle makes his second start of the season and was nearly untouchable in his first outing in APril, logging five innings without allowing a hit (two unearned runs) while striking out several. Tampa Bay is hoping he can replicate that dominance against New York’s power-heavy lineup.
Yankees Without Their Biggest Bat
Aaron Judge’s placement on the injured list with a right forearm flexor strain has dealt a severe blow to New York’s offense at a pivotal moment.
With Judge out, the Yankees will struggle to manufacture runs. The Bronx Bombers will rely on Cody Bellinger, Jasson Domínguez, and Giancarlo Stanton for some pop and power.
The pressure on the Yankees is real. Over 100 games into the season, the Toronto Blue Jays lead by five games, and the Boston Red Sox are lurking just a game back.
The Rays are doing a lot with compartively modest resources. Though they sit 8.5 games out of first place in the AL East, they’re just 2.5 games out of the Wild Card, anchored by their young bats like Junior Caminero
Tonight’s Lineups and Starting Pitchers
New York Yankees
- Trent Grisham (CF)
- Ben Rice (DH)
- Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
- Cody Bellinger (RF)
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B)
- Jasson Domínguez (LF)
- Ryan McMahon (3B)
- Anthony Volpe (SS)
- Austin Wells (C)
Starting Pitcher: Max Fried (LHP, 11–4, 2.62 ERA)
Tampa Bay Rays
- Yandy Díaz (1B)
- Jonathan Aranda (DH)
- Junior Caminero (3B)
- Christopher Morel (LF)
- Jonny DeLuca (CF)
- Josh Lowe (RF)
- José Caballero (2B)
- Nick Fortes (C)
- Taylor Walls (SS)
Rays: Joe Boyle (RHP, 1–0, 1.42 ERA)
Predictions
Expect a tight, low-scoring matchup likely to hinge on bullpen execution, especially for the Rays.
Boyle’s arsenal gives Tampa Bay a chance to dictate tempo and pressurize New York’s secondary arms.
Prediction: Yankees 3, Rays 2
How to Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees
First pitch for tonight’s Rays-Yankees game is set for 7:05 PM Eastern. The game will be broadcast on TBS for national audiences. The two team’s respective regional sports networks will also show the game.
Rays vs. Yankees
Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
First Pitch: 7:05 PM Eastern
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
TV: YES Network, TBS, FanDuel Sports Network Sun
Streaming: MLB.tv (Free Game), TBS app and website, Gotham Sports App
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