:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56624965/usa_today_8892024.0.jpg)
As Evan Longoria told the press ahead of Monday’s game, “I don't know if there is a neutral site when you're playing the Yankees.”
A lot has been made of the MLB’s choice to move the Rays/Yankees series to Citi Field, home of the Mets, but in the end it was a matter of finding hotels. Playing in New York meant the Yankees wouldn’t need them.
It hasn’t been a popular decision, especially for Rays fans who believe it’s basically the equivalent of letting the Yankees play in their own backyard. Still, the games have to be played, and it appears the Rays are making the most of being the home team at a new park.
Keys were under the mat, thanks. pic.twitter.com/H0NkHrgDWo
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 11, 2017
C'mon dude! Now we need a new hiding spot...But we are happy to have you. pic.twitter.com/4a07MjUJKJ
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 11, 2017
The press marveled over how strange the billboard for tonight’s game looked.
Weird scoreboard. pic.twitter.com/F9Cja19OkB
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) September 11, 2017
And there was a lot of questions about who would get which locker.
The #Mets had taped a picture of Lucas Duda up over his old locker before they left Sunday. Hoping they put him back there.
— Kristie Ackert (@Ackert_NYDN) September 11, 2017
Spoiler alert: Duda did, indeed, get his old locker back.
We're @CitiField and I get the honor of having Mr.Met, David Wrights locker. Thanks to all the @Mets staff who have been so accommodating.
— Evan Longoria (@Evan3Longoria) September 11, 2017
You can watch the players chat about the stop in New York here:
A few of our guys spoke about making an unexpected stop in New York. pic.twitter.com/u3EhAnaAtb
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 11, 2017
The three-game series is bound to be interesting, with neither team having a true advantage in the mostly-unfamiliar territory of Citi Field. But at least they’re having a good time.