The New York Yankees will open a three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday afternoon. It will be the first game of a pivotal 10-game road trip, which will see the team challenge three consecutive American League East rivals.

Coming off consecutive series losses against the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles, the Yankees will look to cushion their dwindling two game lead in the AL East. Unfortunately, the club will have to do so without the aide of center fielder Curtis Granderson who will miss his second game in as many days after experiencing mild tendonitis in his right hamstring. In addition, first baseman Mark Teixeira will also sit out as he still recovers from a calf injury sustained last week.

However, the club will receive a boost in the form of third baseman Alex Rodriguez returning to the lineup for the first time since fracturing his hand on July 24.

Here is the Yankees projected starting lineup for Monday afternoon:

#Yankees lineup at Rays, 1:10 ET: Jeter SS, Swisher 1B, Cano 2B, A-Rod DH, Chavez 3B, Ibanez LF, Martin C, Ichiro RF, Dickerson CF, CC P

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 3, 2012

First pitch is scheduled to take place at 1:10 p.m., ET.

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