Three weeks into the season, the Yankees are hitting a gaudy .301/.366/.536 (147 wRC+) against right-handers compared to a wimpy .195/.266/.303 (54 wRC+) against left-handers. That’s Nick Swisher or Paul Goldschmidt against righties and Brian Dozier or Donovan Solano against lefties. It’s Chase Utley vs. Yunel Escobar, Evan Longoria vs. Ichiro Suzuki, Ian Kinsler vs. Chris Nelson, night vs. day, good vs. evil.
The Yankees are an entirely different team against left-handers than they are against right-handers, and tonight they’ll face one of the two or three best lefties in the world: reigning Cy Young Award winner David Price. Even though he’s only 27, we’ve all seen a ton of Price over the years and there are no surprises here. His array of high-octane fastballs could overwhelm New York’s hitters just like Matt Moore’s last night. Price is off to a relatively slow start though (6.26 ERA and 4.93 FIP), so hopefully he remains off his game for at least one more night. Here’s the starting nine…
- CF Brett Gardner
- SS Eduardo Nunez
- 2B Robinson Cano
- LF Vernon Wells
- DH Ben Francisco
- 1B Lyle Overbay
- C Chris Stewart
- RF Ichiro Suzuki
- 3B Jayson Nix
And on the mound is the future San Francisco Giant, Phil Hughes.
Tonight’s game is scheduled to start at 7:10pm ET and can be seen on My9 locally and MLB Network nationally. Try to enjoy.
Mark Teixeira Update: Teixeira said his injured wrist is having trouble loosening up when he swings a bat. He is still expected back during the original ten-week window, but his wildly optimistic return date of May 1st ain’t happening (to no one’s surprise).
Derek Jeter Update: Jeter had his follow-up visit with the doctor in North Carolina, and he is back to wearing a walking boot to help his new ankle fracture heal.
Kevin Youkilis Update: Joe Girardi said Youkilis is not expected to return to the lineup until Thursday, when they head home to start a four-game series against the Blue Jays.
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