The New York Yankees enter tonight’s road game—albeit played at their own spring training facility, George M. Steinbrenner Field—with a 9–7 record and an offense that’s been lighting up scoreboards at a torrid pace. Despite officially being the visiting team, the Yankees are anything but uncomfortable in this setting, and they’ll look to use the familiarity of the ballpark and their current offensive surge to their advantage as they begin a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. New York leads the American League East in scoring, averaging 5.9 runs per game, thanks in large part to the historic start by Aaron Judge, who is batting .409 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs through just 16 games. Judge has been the centerpiece of a formidable lineup that also includes Juan Soto’s elite on-base skills, Giancarlo Stanton’s raw power, and Gleyber Torres’ timely hitting. Collectively, the Yankees have already launched 33 home runs—more than any other team in the majors—and boast a team batting average of .258, combining patience with thunder in the box. Their ability to score in bunches from both the top and middle of the order has made them dangerous in any inning, particularly against teams like the Rays that rely heavily on pitching precision. Starting on the mound for New York is right-hander Will Warren, who enters his second career MLB start with a 1–0 record and a 5.14 ERA. Warren earned his first win in his debut despite not going deep into the game, relying on a solid mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches to generate weak contact and keep hitters off balance.

While his margin for error is slim against a Rays lineup that can capitalize on inexperience, Warren benefits from a bullpen that has been dependable and effective when given a lead. The Yankees’ relief corps, anchored by Clay Holmes and supported by Ian Hamilton, Jonathan Loáisiga, and Tommy Kahnle, has shown the ability to shut the door in close games, giving the team a significant edge in the later innings. If Warren can give them five innings while limiting walks and damage from hitters like Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero, New York is well-positioned to control the game with its bullpen and let its bats handle the rest. The key will be staying ahead in counts and forcing Tampa Bay to swing early—something the Yankees’ pitching staff has executed effectively in recent outings. Defensively, the Yankees have performed with quiet efficiency. Anthony Volpe has provided a steady glove at shortstop, Judge continues to cover ground with ease in right field, and the outfield as a whole has done a strong job limiting extra bases. This defensive stability has helped support a pitching staff that thrives on contact, and their ability to turn balls in play into outs will be especially critical against a Rays team that can manufacture runs with smart baserunning and aggressive situational hitting. Although the setting for tonight’s game is unusual, the Yankees’ comfort level in their spring home should only enhance their performance. With the bats clicking, the bullpen rested, and Warren eager to solidify his role, New York enters this series with confidence and a clear mission—to stay hot, win on the “road,” and send a message to their division rivals that the AL East crown will go through them.