Up next for Tampa Bay Rays: New York Yankees

.UP NEXT

vs. Yankees

Tonight-Wednesday

What's new: The Yankees are sizzling, going a majors-best 47-23 since Alex Rodriguez come off the DL on May 8 and winning 22 of 28 for the majors' second-best record. They've scored a majors-high 539 runs, are getting good starting pitching and still have closer Mariano Rivera. Middle relief can be an issue, though Phil Hughes has helped.

Key stat: This is the first time the Yankees hit town first in the East since Sept. 22, 2006.

Connections: Yankees infielder/outfielder Eric Hinske was 2008 Ray, and pitching coach Dave Eiland is a Zephyrhills High and USF product. … Rays catcher Dioner Navarro, reliever Randy Choate and bullpen coach Bobby Ramos were Yankees players, senior adviser Don Zimmer a coach.

Series history: 4-4 this year; Yankees lead 126-66 overall, 59-37 at the Trop.