Prepare for War(ren)

After an eventful series north of the border against a division rival, the Rays come back home for what could another eventful series against the New York Yankees. The Yankees were off yesterday, after losing their past two games against the Orioles in Baltimore.

The Rays will send Nathan Karns to the mound, who greatly improved on his first start by allowing two runs (one earned) in seven innings against the Marlins last Sunday. Karns will be opposed by the Yankees right hander, Adam Warren who made his first start since September 27th, 2013. He faced the Red Sox his last time out and went 5+ innings, allowing two runs on five hits.

Warren throws both a two-seam and a four-seam fast ball, to go along with a changeup, slider, and a curve so he can come at the Rays with a full arsenal of weapons.

With his fastballs, he likes to live on the outside to both lefties and righties, He rarely stays in the zone with his breaking pitches, nibbling at the knees of opposing hitters, usually staying away. It's the same story with his changeup as he likes to keep it down and away from lefties, while keeping it in the same location to righties.

Here's Ian's projections for tonight's game:

Thanks to Ian for the chart

The matchups heavily suggest lefties will have an advantage against Warren so look for the same type of lineup as last night. Evan Longoria might not be in the lineup tonight, after leaving yesterday's game after being hit in the hip.

and here's how Kevin Cash has his order set up against Warren:

#rays v NYY: Kiermaier cf, Souza rf, Cabrera SS, Longoria dh, Jennings lf, Dykstra 1b, Forsythe 3b, Beckham 2b, Wilson c - Karns p

— RMooneyTBO (@RMooneyTBO) April 17, 2015

Longoria is feeling well enough to swing the bat, but won't be at third as he is penciled in as the DH. Logan Forsythe will take over at the hot corner.

In other Rays news:

- James Shields is sadly no longer a Ray, but he welcomed world-sensation-rookie-phenom-master-of-the-universe, Kris Bryant the big leagues in a fitting matter.

James Shields is all about that "Welcome to The Show" moment: http://t.co/KRlMXxVGyP pic.twitter.com/dNEV45wAUl

— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2015

- Drew Smyly, Alex Cobb, Jake McGee, John Jaso, James Loney, and Nick Franklin were all working out at the Trop before the game.

- You can add another name to the disabled list that contains 10 Rays, as Jeff Beliveau was placed on the DL due to an injured shoulder.

- Ryan Brett has been recalled, while the Rays optioned Mikie Mahtook. Brett is a sign that Longoria maybe off the field for a few days.

- The Rays announced their concerts for the upcoming Summer (for those who unlike me who attend Rays games)

#Rays set 5 concerts: The Jacksons 5/23, Cody Simpson 5/24, Lee Brice 6/13, KIDZ BOP Kids 6/28, Steve Aoki 10/3

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 17, 2015

Go Rays!