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The Yankees will be facing a motivated Matt Garza (14-8, 3.88 ERA) tonight. Garza has allowed six homers in his last two starts, the first when the Yankees ripped him for six runs over 4 2/3 innings en route to an 8-7 win in 10 innings. Garza, a big-game pitcher who was the MVP of the 2008 ALCS, is only 1-3 with a 4.11 ERA in 11 games against the Yankees. Nick Swisher leads all current Yankees with a .462 batting average with three homers against the right-hander. Alex Rodrigeuz is batting .450 with two homers, Robinson Cano .370 and Derek Jeter .300.

There are Yankees, however, who don't have Garza's number. Mark Teixeira, dealing with a broken toe and deep thumb bruise, is a 2-for-18, Brett Gardner is 1-for-11 (with  six strikeouts) and Lance Berkman is 1-for-10 capability to be dominant at times.

The Rays arrive hitting .212 over its last seven games, going 3-4 during that stretch to remain 1/2 game behind the Yankees, but roughed up rookie Ivan Nova last Tuesday for six runs over 4 2/3 - this after Nova allowed only a hit through the first four. Nova (1-0, 4.30 in five starts) has shown he has the stomach for big games, but not yet the endurance, nor has he made the required adjustments the second and third times through the batting order.

If Nova falters early, these are Joe Girardi's long relief options:

Chad Gaudin: He's seen of work and has been effective, but is usually called upon late in either blowouts or tie games.

Dustin Moseley: Hasn't pitched since starting September 12, tossing 6 2/3 innings in Texas.

Sergio Mitre: Has thrown six pitches since September 5, the last Reid Brignac's walk-off homer that won it for the Rays last Monday.

Javier Vazquez: Hasn't pitched since September 10 and from the outside is the low man on Girardi's pecking order.

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