Up next for the Tampa Bay Rays: New York Yankees

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at Yankees

Today through Wednesday

What's new: The Yankees (87-50) continue to roll, having won eight of 11. At .334 with 17 homers and 61 RBIs, Derek Jeter is having arguably the best season of his career and is four hits from passing Lou Gehrig for the franchise record. The Yankees' lineup is strong all the way through, with a club-record seven players hitting at least 20 homers. And Mariano Rivera is ready to return to his closer role. He hasn't pitched since Tuesday because of a sore groin.

Key stat: The Yankees' relievers are on an impressive stretch, going 11-0 with nine saves (in 10 chances) and striking out 99 since Aug. 5.

Connections: Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland is a Zephyrhills High and USF product. Rays catcher Dioner Navarro and bullpen catcher Bobby Ramos were Yankees players, senior adviser Don Zimmer a coach. Eric Hinske was a Ray in 2008, and Rays reliever Russ Springer is a former Yankee.

Series history: The Rays are 5-6 against the Yankees this season but 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees lead the overall series 128-67, 67-29 in New York.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer