Monday’s game against the Rays almost went according to plan: James Paxton pitched well, the Yankees hit three home runs, and went into the ninth with a lead. After Travis d’Arnaud hit his third home run of the game and Aroldis Chapman blew the save, though, the Rays won 5-4 and closed the gap in the AL East to just five games.
The Yankees will turn to CC Sabathia, to get things back on track tonight. CC has long excelled as a “stopper” after a crushing loss, and tonight’s a perfect night for him to do his thing.