Why this trip to face Yankees is so important to Rays

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash, right, pulls starting pitcher Blake Snell from the game during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, Wednesday, June 19, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)BALTIMORE — The decision for the Rays to take a train to New York after Sunday’s game was made well in advance and out of convenience not circumstance, but the symbolism was worth noting:

This is very much a business trip.

The Rays trail the Yankees by six games in the AL East, and the four-game series that starts Monday night is their best, and pretty much last, chance to trim that lead themselves. After Thursday, the Rays don’t face the Yankees again…