The Tampa Bay Rays welcome the New York Yankees to Tropicana Field on Monday, July 6, with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET. Griffin Jax gets the ball for Tampa Bay opposite Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler in what shapes up as an intriguing midseason AL matchup. The Rays send out a full lineup anchored by Yandy Díaz at the top and Junior Caminero in the heart of the order. Every game against New York carries weight in the AL East standings, and tonight's contest under the Trop's roof is no exception.

Pitching Matchup: Griffin Jax vs. Cam Schlittler

Griffin Jax draws the start for the Rays. The right-hander has been a versatile arm in Tampa Bay's staff, capable of working as both a starter and a high-leverage reliever. His ability to generate swings and misses with his slider will be tested against a Yankees lineup that consistently puts pressure on opposing pitchers throughout the order.

On the other side, Cam Schlittler gets the nod for New York. The young right-hander represents one of the Yankees' newer arms at the big-league level, and Tampa Bay hitters will be working to get a read on him early. Unfamiliarity cuts both ways, and the Rays' lineup has enough patient hitters — starting with Díaz leading off — to grind at-bats and force Schlittler to work deep into counts.

Tampa Bay Rays Lineup

• 1. Yandy Díaz — DH
• 2. Jonathan Aranda — 1B
• 3. Junior Caminero — 3B
• 4. Cedric Mullins — CF
• 5. Jonny DeLuca — RF
• 6. Chandler Simpson — LF
• 7. Nick Fortes — C
• 8. Richie Palacios — 2B
• 9. Taylor Walls — SS

Keys to Watch at Tropicana Field

Junior Caminero in the Middle of the Order

Batting third, Caminero remains one of the most closely watched players in the Rays organization. The 21-year-old third baseman has the kind of raw power that demands respect, and slotting him between Aranda and Mullins gives Tampa Bay legitimate run-producing potential in the middle of the lineup. How he handles Schlittler — a pitcher he may not have faced extensively — is worth tracking from the first at-bat.

Chandler Simpson's Role in the Bottom Third

Simpson batting sixth adds a dynamic element to the lineup. His speed on the basepaths can change the complexion of an inning in a hurry, especially with Fortes and Palacios hitting behind him. If Simpson gets on base, expect the Rays to be aggressive.

Jax Limiting Damage Early

Against a lineup as deep as New York's, Jax will need to establish his secondary stuff quickly and avoid getting into deep counts that allow Yankees hitters to sit on his fastball. How he navigates the first time through the order will set the tone for Tampa Bay's bullpen usage the rest of the night.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for the Rays at home. Tampa Bay's lineup construction is balanced from top to bottom, Jax has the stuff to keep New York off-balance, and Schlittler's relative inexperience at the big-league level gives the Rays an edge in the early innings. Look for the Rays to generate traffic early, cash in with the middle of the order, and hold on for a 4-2 win at Tropicana Field.

Watch: YES Network, Rays.TV | Listen: WDAE 95.7 FM