The Yanks complete their Sox on Jays sandwich this week with three more against the fourth place team in the AL East. The Blue Jays had a nice run early on, but they turned out to be more like the 2005 Orioles than real contenders. They’re now 53-57, while on this date in 2005 the O’ were 55-58. Strange stuff, eh?
For the second time in a week the Yankees get Jays lefty Mark Rzepczynski, whose name you should not make fun of. Remember, it’s Zep-CHIN-Ski. He pitched well through six last time out, striking out seven to one walk and three hits. But the Yankees struck in the seventh, as Nick Swisher tied the game with a homer, and Robbie Cano followed with a double. That chased Rzepczynski from the game, and the bullpen would go on to blow it, allowing the Yanks to bat around.
The Yanks will send the same man to the mound as well, Sergio Mitre, who could well be pitching for his next start. The Yankees acquired Chad Gaudin a few days ago, and he could be in line for a start if Mitre stumbles again. Then again, with Gaudin’s dominance of righties, perhaps he’s best left to a bullpen assignment. In any case, the Yanks are looking for more than the 4.1 innings Mitre gave them last time out. The bullpen is decently rested after long starts by Sabathia and Pettitte, but there’s no need to overstretch them. Chances are Gaudin gets into the game, even if Mitre does give them five solid (I can’t expect six at this point).
Johnny Damon gets the day off today, and I would expect A-Rod to get a day off either tomorrow or, more likely, on Wednesday’s get-away day game.
Lineup:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Nick Swisher, RF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jorge Posada, DH
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Jerry Hairston, LF
8. Melky Cabrera, CF
9. Jose Molina, C
And on the mound, number forty-five, Sergio Mitre.