David Phelps (3-3, 4.65 ERA) looks to take the series from the Indians in game 2 tonight against lefty Scott Kazmir (3-2, 5.13 ERA). Phelps is hoping to rebound after the worst outing of his career last Wednesday against the Mets, allowing five runs before being pulled in the first inning. When he faced the Tribe back on May 13th, he pitched 6 2/3 innings in a 1-0 loss.
Kazmir is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA over 12 innings in his last two outings, with 11 strikeouts and five walks. In the 17 times he has faced the Yankees (16 starts), he is 7-6 with a 3.34 ERA.
Injuries have forced Joe Girardi to get creative with the lineup and last night was no exception, putting Lye Overbay in right field. “We’ve been forced to be a little bit creative here because of some of the injuries,” Girardi said. “And we just feel that we’re going to give him an opportunity out there, and keeping Overbay on the roster also gives us coverage for Teixeira at first base, if he needs a day off.” Overbay, a 13 year veteran, had never played anywhere but first base in the Majors. He is batting .249 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 52 games this year. In 15 plate appearances against Kazmir, he’s hitting .385 (5-for-13) with a double, two walks and a strikeout. With good numbers like that I’d say Overbay will be in the lineup tonight, let’s see what Girardi has up his sleeve to get him out there.
Notes on the game
Yesterdays win is just the Yankees second out of their last nine. They are tied with Baltimore for second place and are 2.5 games behind Boston. The Bombers owned first place May 9-26.
Tribe Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was taken out of last nights game in the fifth inning after straining his right quadriceps muscle running to first base. The injury has bothered Cabrera for awhile and will be revaluated before the game today to see if he can play.
Game kicks off at 7:05 PM (ET) on Yes & MLBN
