NEW YORK – Back in town for Subway Series II, the Yankees limped into Citi Field fresh off being swept four games at Toronto, where the Blue Jays ascended to the AL East lead.

In May, the Yankees took two of three games against the Mets in the Bronx. Now, the Yankees are desperate for another series win, but they’ll be facing a more hostile crowd and a hotter Juan Soto.

“He’s had a Juan-like month,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of the NL’s June Player of the Month. “It’ll be a challenge holding him down. (We’ll) have to execute at a really high level.”

Acknowledging the recent struggles of both New York clubs, Boone said: “I think both teams are really good. It’s always meaningful, though” whenever the crosstown rivals meet.

As this holiday weekend begins, here’s the Yankees’ Friday afternoon lineup:

Yankees announce Friday lineup vs Mets

Mets announce Friday lineup vs Yankees

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees announce lineup for Subway Series II opener vs. Mets at Citi Field