The Yankees put the breaks on a five game losing streak to kick off the series in Minnesota. Now Chase Whitley (3-2, 4.70 ERA) will get the ball in game two against Kyle Gibson (7-6, 3.77 ERA). Whitley’s first five starts were solid, giving the crumbling Yankees rotation a glimmer of hope, but the last two starts in came crashing back to earth. He has been hammered for 13 runs and 19 hits in 7 1/3 innings (15.95 ERA) combined between the Blue Jays and Red Sox.
“He just made some mistakes that looked like they were in the middle of the plate,” Joe Girardi said. “He was able to escape the first two innings and minimize the damage with some double play balls, but then he gave up the big three run homer.”
Gibson went eight innings with two earned runs and three K’s against the Rangers Sunday in a 3-2. “Mainly because of the wind blowing out, my sinker was probably moving as most as I’ve ever seen it,” Gibson said. “I think whenever the wind is helping my best pitch like that, I think it makes it more comfortable out there knowing that I can throw those just about any time. And with the way they’re moving, it’s going to be tough to hit.” It is his third time in two years facing the bombers. He has allowed 11 runs (10 earned) over 10 1/3 innings and is 1-1 with a 8.71 ERA.
After getting an off day on Wednesday, Mark Teixeira returned to the lineup on Thursday. He had his knee drained but luckily there was no structural damage. “I really don’t mind needles. It’s really the pressure of putting it in there and taking it out,” Teixeira said “It hurts getting drained. Dr. Ahmad did a good job, though. I complimented him on his technique, because it hurts sometimes.”
Notes on the game.
Zelous Wheeler made his Major League debut on Thursday homering in his second at bat for his first hit.
CC Sabathia woke up with fluid in his knee and is going for an MRI.
First pitch at 3:05 PM on Yes and ESPN2.
