Game 45: Facing A Possible Trade Target

Tonight, the Yankees have a chance to accomplish two things. One they will accomplish for sure. They’ll get a firsthand look at lefty Cole Hamels, who figures to be a hot commodity at the trade deadline. The Yankees could use another starter and Hamels will likely be available. It’s only a matter of time until the two sides are mentioned in serious trade rumors.

The second thing the Yankees can accomplish tonight? Clinching a series win. It would be their ninth straight series victory, which is bananas. You have to go back to 1998 — the 2018 Yankees seem to be doing a lot of things last done by the 1998 Yankees, huh? — for the last time the Yankees won nine consecutive series. Just keep winning series, baby. Win series and everything will work itself out. Here are tonight’s lineups:

There is a tiny little bit of rain in the forecast tonight, though nothing heavy and nothing that should really interfere with the game, thankfully. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:05pm ET and YES will have the broadcast. Enjoy the game.

Injury Update: Greg Bird (ankle) could return “sometime this weekend,” said Aaron Boone, though nothing is set in stone … Jordan Montgomery (elbow) will need a “little bit more time before he starts throwing,” according to Boone. Montgomery was placed on the disabled list on May 2nd and, at the time, the Yankees said he would be shut down 2-3 weeks. Sounds like he’ll be shut down a little longer than that … Adam Warren (lat) is already pitching in simulated games in Tampa. He could return to the Yankees as soon as late next week.