The Yanks hope to add to their two game winning streak with David Phelps (1-3, 4.11ERA) taking on Danny Duffy (3-5, 3.05 ERA) in game two in KC. Phelps’ last outing Monday against the Mariners was one of his worst all year. He was tagged for six runs in six plus innings and struggled with his control, walking three and hitting a batter in the loss.
Duffy has had two subpar starts sandwiched inbetween two great starts. He took a perfect game into the seventh against the Orioles eventually allowing just 2 hits in a 1-0 win on May 17th. His next two starts he allowed 11 combined runs. His most recent start was a shut out of the Cardinals for six innings on one hit and one walk, getting 10 flyouts and five K’s. “With young guys, you just don’t know what you’re going to get from start to start.” Royals manager Ned Yost said “They can be absolutely lights out or they can be out of the game in the fourth inning. It’s all part of learning how to compete up here. Once you take a breath and drop your guard for a second, they’re going to spank you.”
Carlos Beltran has come back to the lineup slowly, but Joe Girardi is being patient. “Each guy could be different,” Girardi said. “Sometimes, you might have a guy who comes out hot as anything and sometimes it might take him a few days to get into the swing of it and feel comfortable. He’s a middle of the order guy who gives you power and he’s a switch hitter, so it makes it tougher for other clubs.” The Yanks are in the middle of 13 straight days without a break, so Girardi will be smart and give Beltran some rest days.
Notes on the game
The Yankees haven’t lost a season series to the Royals in 14 years.
Phelps is getting an average of 2.89 runs of support in his six starts
Dellin Betances is allowing just 6.69 baserunners per nine innings, the third best among relievers in the AL.
First pitch at 7:15 PM on FOX
