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The New York Yankees can put a serious hurting on Tampa Bay's playoff chances this weekend when the Rays visit the Bronx for a three-game set. Tampa was swept in Baltimore this week; a Yankees series win could go a long way to making the AL East a two-team race, with the loser having a good chance at a wild card spot.
The Rays (77-66) get David Price on the mound Friday night. Price (17-5, 2.54) hasn't started since Sept. 2 due to soreness in his pitching shoulder, but the southpaw -- who leads all major league qualifiers in the ERA race -- is expected to be near full strength and won't have an innings or pitch count cap.
The Yankees (80-62) throw their own lefty ace Friday, as CC Sabathia (13-5, 3.56) takes the hill for the Bombers. Sabathia's last start on Sept. 8 was a struggle; he allowed five runs to Baltimore over 6 1/3 innings.
TV: YES, MLB Network
Radio: WCBS 880, WADO 1280
Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
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