The Yankees’ home-field X-factor could make the Rays pay as New York tries to avoid elimination

The New York Yankees return to Yankee Stadium facing elimination after falling 0-2 against the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS. Angel Nakamura writes that New York’s power-hitting offense could leverage the ballpark's short dimensions to swing momentum back in their favor. With Aaron Judge sidelined for the round, the team is relying on Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Paul Goldschmidt to ignite the lineup.

Manager Aaron Boone emphasized focusing solely on Game 3 as starter Max Fried takes the mound to keep the series alive. If the Yankees extend the series, Carlos Rodón is lined up for Game 4, but New York must also clean up the defensive mistakes that hurt them in Game 2.