ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Yankees will begin their pivotal series against the Rays tonight without two-thirds of their starting outfield.

Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner will both sit with Austin Kearns filling in at right field and Golson playing left. Swisher missed three games last week with a knee bruise and was a late scratch from Sunday’s lineup. And Gardner had an MRI exam Monday on his sore right wrist, which showed inflammation, but no major issues. He hopes to swing to bat on Tuesday and is considered day to day.

1. Derek Jeter SS

2. Robinson Cano 2B

3. Mark Teixeira 1B

4. Alex Rodriguez 3B

5. Marcus Thames DH

6. Jorge Posada C

7. Austin Kearns LF

8. Curtis Granderson CF

9. Greg Golson RF

SP CC Sabathia

With AP