"Big Game" James Shields once again stepped up against the Yankees and shut them down as he carried the Rays to the 2-1 victory on Thursday night. With the win, the Rays and Yankees split their four game series at The Trop. The Yankees finish 4-4 on the road trip as they prepare for their 10 day home stand coming up.

What's coming up for the Yanks? What injured players are close to returning?

James Shields for the second straight start against the Bronx Bombers dominated them, going 7 2/3 innings, giving up 6 hits, one run, 3 walks, and striking out 6. CC Sabathia on the other end still pitched well for the Yanks going 8 innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 runs, 4 walks, and striking out 8. The 4 walks did play into account for CC as the Rays were able to make the most out of their 5 hits to score 2.

Yankees offense went quiet thanks to Shields. But something to note was the switch at top the Yankee lineup as Gardner took a shot at lead-off with Jeter batting second. We'll see how this plays out as Granderson sat out for this game, which made that switch possible.

Yankees have two injured players who are rehabbing in the minors. Both Eric Chavez and Rafael Soriano made starts on Thursday evening. Both appear to be close to joining back as Chavez seems to be the closest and the most important piece with A-Rod out of the lineup.  Chavez went 1-3 with a walk in the game with a double. Soriano did give up a run and a couple of hits but doesn't appear to be a big deal. With David Robertson taking care of the 8th inning, the return of Soriano isn't that big of a deal compared to the progress of Chavez, where his position is needed in the field.

Yankees still quiet on the trade front with no new rumors popping up on Thursday. We'll keep you posted as we are your home for the Yankees here on The Team!

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