The Yankees are opening a crucial series against the Tampa Bay Rays with momentum on the line.

Tampa has lost 7 of their last 10 and dropped 7 straight on the road. Their offense has gone cold and they just got swept in Cincinnati. This is a team the Yankees need to bury.

Cam Schlittler makes his 3rd MLB start tonight. The 24-year-old has a 4.35 ERA through 10.1 innings with 10 strikeouts. He’s looked composed and confident on the mound, showing the kind of presence that could earn him a long-term role.

The Rays will counter with Drew Rasmussen, who comes in at 7-5 with a 2.93 ERA. He’s one of Tampa’s most reliable arms and he’s going to force the Yankees to be selective and disciplined at the plate.

The Yankees need to stay steady while Judge is out for the next 2 weeks. However, there’s reason to believe the lineup can continue to produce. Now Jasson Domínguez, Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are all going to get the chance to play every day. If they perform, the Yankees can hold the line until the captain returns.

Scoring runs hasn’t been the issue. The real question is whether the pitching staff can hold it together. The Yankees rank 17th in ERA. They’ve gotten by with firepower but reinforcements are needed if they want to survive a playoff run.

If the Yankees play clean baseball they will win games. The formula is simple. The Yankees are 42-22 when they don’t commit an error. They’re just 15-26 when they do. That’s not a coincidence. This team doesn’t need to be perfect. They just can’t beat themselves.

Cam Schlittler has a chance to set the tone for the week. The Yankees have already called in reinforcements with Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario. Now they need pitching more than ever. If they can land a top starter and a few bullpen arms, this team can absolutely turn it around. But for now they have to take it 1 game at a time.