The Rays’ run of 13 consecutive series without a loss is in jeopardy tonight, along with the distinction of not dropping a home series against AL opposition since April 18-20.

Oddly enough, Carl Pavano will provide the opposition tonight, having exceeded expecations in his first two starts this season after missing most of the last couple years with various and sundry injuries. Tampa Bay was one of the two teams he faced before going on the shelf last season, as Pavano started Opening Day against the then-Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium. He didn’t get a decision in the Yanks’ win.

Not much happening in the news and notes department today. Dioner Navarro is back in the lineup for the first time since Saturday and Joe Maddon said he anticipates his regular catcher will be in there the next few days, perhaps through Saturday.

The lineups:

Yankees
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Nady LF
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
I. Rodriguez C
Pavano P

Rays
Iwamura 2B
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Floyd DH
Aybar 3B
Hinske LF
Navarro C
Gross RF
Bartlett SS
Jackson P