New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays: April 2nd-April 5th Series Preview

Sep 20, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) is congratulated by center fielder Mason Williams (66) and designated hitter Billy Butler (36) after he hit a 3-run home run during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays: April 2nd-April 5th Series Preview

Feb 26, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Archer Return To Form

Chris Archer has been the ace of the Rays staff for multiple seasons. But, in 2016, he struggled. He finished the season with a 9-19 record and 4.02 ERA. His peripheral numbers were in line with his career numbers, but the long ball hurt him.

Archer surrendered a career-high 30 home runs last season; his previous career high was 19. That was as big a problem as any, as he surrendered only one more walk and eight more hits in 2016 than 2015. If the Rays are going to get back on track, they need Archer to return to his dominant ace form.

Archer has been dominant against the Yankees in his career. In 13 starts he has registered a 2.63 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 89 innings with 75 strikeouts and 20 walks. Can that continue?

Will the Yankees be a thorn in the side for Archer and help carry his struggles from 2016 over into 2017? Or will Archer pitch well against the Yankees as he has in his career and get the season off on the right foot?

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