The Tampa Bay Rays continue to grow their lead in the American League East. 

After some stellar pitching and consistent play at the plate, the Rays took down the New York Yankees 3-0 at Tropicana Field Wednesday night, taking two of the first three games in a pivotal 4-game series. 

Here is what you need to know from the contest.

McClanahan Shows Signs From the Past

For the first time in 3 seasons, Shane McClanahan pitched into the seventh inning on Wednesday. After a somewhat shaky second inning, the Rays right hander settled in and went 6.1 strong innings of shutout baseball. He picked up 5 strikeouts and only allowed 4 hits in the entire contest. 

This was the second straight start for McClanahan where he stepped on the mound after being on 7 days rest. Both times he was incredible. Sounds like Kevin Cash might have found the needed recipe for the All-Star pitcher to keep him performing at this level during the second half of the season.

The two bullpen arms of Cole Sulser and Bryan Baker would also impress against the Bombers, combining for 2.2 innings of scoreless pitching and recording 6 strikeouts. The entire Rays pitching staff has recorded 37 strikeouts since the last time they allowed a walk. They are really feeling it. 

Bring Them All in Aranda!

It was a great night for the Rays first baseman, once again proving why he was one of the biggest snubs being left off the American League All-Star team. 

Aranda went 2 for 3 on the night and was responsible for all 3 RBIs on the night. He now has 61 on the season, good enough for 4th best in the American League. 

He can't be stopped!! pic.twitter.com/cZDYGlRrmR

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) July 8, 2026

Yandy Slump is Gone, Lineup Could Use Work?

After about a week and a half of concerning numbers following a minor injury, Yandy Diaz is right back to doing what he does best, hitting. The veteran designated hitter went 4 for 4 on Wednesday night and now has 6 hits in the series against the Yankees. His batting average is now back to pre-slump numbers at .327, good enough for second best in baseball, only behind Miami Marlins Otto Lopez (.345).

Other than Aranda and Diaz, only Nick Fortes and Chandler Simpson recorded a hit in the contest. Junior Caminero has picked up a decent amount of strikeouts since his home run streak went to the wayside, and Cedric Mullins continues to struggle with runners in scoring position. 

They got the win, but improvements still can happen before and after the All-Star Break.

The Rays will look for the series win against the Yankees on Thursday in the final game of 4 against their divisional foe at Tropicana Field. This is a very important series to win, as it would lock in the tiebreaker in favor of Tampa Bay for the AL East if the two teams were to have the same record at season’s end. 

Drew Rasmussen (7-4, 2.78 ERA) will get the start for the Rays. It is still yet to be determined who will go for New York. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM EST.