Can three games in late May define the destiny of a season?

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Some pundits believe games in April and May are as important as contests in September.

Perhaps a test of the theory comes this weekend, May 21, 22 and 23 in a three-game set between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees. In games through May 20, the Rays hold a 3-game lead over the Bombers, and each seems to be able to win.  

Following their 5-3, come-from-behind win over the Baltimore Orioles on May 20 at home, the Rays captured their MLB-leading sixth sweep and energy in the clubhouse seemed to invigorate each team member with boundless confidence and vigor.

In their quest for victories, there is no shortage of those carrying this team and makes the three games in Yankee Stadium rather significant.

That’s because the assurance galvanized through the opening two months of the season appears contagious. The high-fives, smiles and cheerleading from Junior Caminero from the dugout steps are all signs that the Rays’ start to the season may not be an aberration.

“You need to take it one game at time, but you want to beat the Yankees every single time,” said utility Ryan Vilade, whose .306 batting average is second on the team. “That’s always on our minds to beat the Yankees every time. If we look past (New York), you might forget where you are. It’s to stay in the present and take one pitch at a time.”

At the same time, there is a need to create separation.

Through the opening weeks, the efforts of the Rays and Yankees have created a top-heavy division. Coming into games of May 21, and of the remaining three clubs in the division, the Orioles, Blue Jays and Red Sox are all at least six games under .500.

Approaching the Memorial Day weekend is a period where teams begin to emerge and the rest struggle. While there are four months remaining in the season, there is also a tendency to seek out reasons for failure.

“Inconstant, we’ve been inconsistent,” said John Schneider, the Toronto manager and all concede there is time enough to right any ship.

“I think it’s too early to put any stock into (the Yankees) series,” said Rays’ pitcher Steven Matz, who returned from the IR with a strong, one-run, no-decision May 20 against Baltimore. “We are just focusing on our stuff. Right now, we’re playing great baseball and want to keep the momentum. I think any more stress on this series is not necessary. We’re having fun and keep playing our best baseball.”

On the diamond …When you’re winning, contributions come from everywhere and the unexpected. Catcher Hunter Feduccia gave the Rays an early advantage on May 20 with his first career home run, a 421 foot blast over the right center field fence, with two-out in the second. Eventually down 3-1, the Rays rallied for a 4-spot in the eighth and settled for 5-3 over the O’s. “We know we’re never out of a game,” said Richie Palacios, who delivered the game-winning RBI with a two-out single in the eighth. The win was the Rays 13th come-from-behind victory on the season that ties Cleveland for most in the AL.

In the trainer’s room … The Rays hope to have one of their best hitters, and DH, back in the lineup for the Yankees series. Yandy Diaz was hit by a pitch in the 8^th inning during the May 19 game by Orioles’ reliever Yennier Cano. The pitch hit Diaz on both hands and left the game. X-Rays were negative and he was out of the lineup for the series finale Wednesday at home against Baltimore.

Elsewhere … Rays’ valuable utility infielder Ben Williamson landed on the IL (retro to May 17) with a lower back sprain. Before the series finale Wednesday afternoon against Baltimore, manager Kevin Cash told reporters Williamson has had discomfort for a number of days and experienced issues sleeping. His replacement is Oliver Dunn, whom the Rays acquired from the White Sox for pitcher Joe Rock on May 19, and added to the 40-man roster.

Next  … Pitching match-ups for that Yankees series is intriguing. New York right-hander Gerrit Cole is making his season debut in the series opener. Coming off Tommy John surgery in May, 2025, Cole last pitched in Game Five of the 2024 World Series. Over a 12-year major league career, Cole is 153-80 and a 3.18 ERA, and draws righty Nick Martiznez (4-2, 1.51 ERA) as his mound opponent. In the middle game, righty Drew Rasmussen (4-1, 3.19) takes on lefty Ryan Weathers (2-2, 3.53) and in the series finale, look for lefty Shane McClanahan (5-2, 2.82) to face righty Will Warren (6-1, 3.61). … The Rays conclude this road trip with three in Baltimore against the Orioles.

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