How and Why to Stream Yankees vs. Rays Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays open a rare four-game series Thursday night in Tampa — but not at Tropicana Field. With the Rays temporarily displaced by Hurricane Milton damage, the Yankees will play at their own spring training home, George M. Steinbrenner Field. The ballpark has been modified to serve as the Rays’ home stadium, setting the stage for one of the most unusual road trips in Yankees history. Aaron Judge enters the game batting .409 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs, and the Yankees lead MLB in runs and home runs heading into the matchup.

How and Why to Watch: Yankees vs. Rays (April 17, 2025)

When:
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | First pitch: 7:05 p.m. ET

How to Watch Live:
TV: Amazon Prime Video (Yankees broadcast) | FanDuel Sports Florida (Rays broadcast)
Streaming: MLB.TV | FuboTV (carries YES Network and Rays games, free trial available)

How to Listen:
MLB At-Bat App (Yankees and Rays radio feeds)
Local Radio: WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM (New York) | WDAE 620 AM / 95.3 FM (Tampa)

Why to Watch: Yankees vs. Rays

1. Yankees vs. Rays at Steinbrenner Field
With Tropicana Field unplayable due to storm damage, the Rays are playing their home games at Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training facility. The Yankees will use the visiting dugout and clubhouse as the Rays make their temporary home in Tampa. The setup has been modified to give the Rays a full-time home-field fell.

2. Bronx Bombers Stay Hot
The Yankees enter the series with an MLB-best 103 runs and 33 home runs through 18 games. Aaron Judge leads the way, hitting .409 with seven homers and 21 RBIs. His seventh home run broke a 3-3 tie on Wednesday night as the Yankees completed a sweep of the Royals. The Rays, meanwhile, have allowed a league-high 29 home runs, including 23 of them in “home” games.

3. Home Run Trends at Steinbrenner Field
There have already been 41 home runs hit at Steinbrenner Field this year, including 36 in the past nine games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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