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Yankees vs. Rays: Breaking down the 2026 season series
Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yankees vs. Rays: Breaking down the 2026 season series

By Andrew Wright  |  Last updated Oct 2, 2026 12:38 PM ET
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Fresh off a wild-card series victory over a division rival, the New York Yankees will head straight into another series against one in the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The two teams met 12 times in the regular season with Tampa Bay taking seven of the 12 games against New York. There were standout players for each side in the season series, so let's dive into who'll be headed into the ALDS with plenty of confidence.

What did the season series between New York and Tampa Bay tell us about the Rays?

Much like he is against every team, first baseman Yandy Diaz was stellar against New York this season. In 47 at-bats, he slashed .362/.412/.532 with two doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI and four walks. 

Speedster Chandler Simpson was also excellent against the Yankees, posting a .304 average with three triples, three RBI and two stolen bases.

On the mound, it was right-hander Drew Rasmussen who did good work against the Bronx Bombers. In four starts, Rasmussen posted a 2.86 ERA with one home run allowed and 26 strikeouts across 22 innings.

What did the season series between New York and Tampa Bay tell us about the Yankees?

For the Yankees offense, it was Ben Rice who carried the load throughout the regular-season series. Rice slashed .356/.431/.889, good for an OPS of 1.320 with seven home runs, his most against any opponent.

Both Cam Schlittler and Carlos Rodon shined on the mound for the Yankees against the Rays. Schlittler made three starts, posting a 2.81 ERA with 21 strikeouts across 14 innings.

Rodon made one start against Tampa Bay in which he tossed eight shutout innings, allowing just three hits while striking out eight batters.

Who has the edge in the series?

The winner of this series will likely be the team that gets the best starting pitching. Both lineups contain excellent hitters who have shown their ability to perform in clutch situations, but the starting pitching will decide the series.

New York had the best pitching ERA in the league during the regular season, while Tampa Bay's staff ranked seventh. The Yankees would seem to have the edge when it comes to pitching depth, but it's the postseason, so things may not always play out how they did during the regular season.

The slight edge has to go to the Yankees based off pitching, but it would not be the least bit surprising to see the Rays knock off the mighty Yankees and advance to the ALCS.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan. 

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