The Yankees turn to the ace CC Sabathia (5-4, 3.71 ERA) to try and sweep Corey Kluber (3-3, 4.36 ERA) and the Indians this afternoon. Sabathia takes the mound against his former team after his best start of the season on Friday against the Sox, when he allowed just one run and struck out 10. Sabathia is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA in six starts against the Tribe.
Kluber’s last outing against the Rays was cut short after two innings due to rain. In that short time, however, he seemed comfortable while on the mound. He held them hitless while striking out three and walking one. The start before that against Boston he allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings.
Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained right quadriceps. The Tribe promoted shortstop Juan Diaz from Triple-A to fill a bench spot.
Yankees Shortstop Eduardo Nunez sustained a setback in his recovery from a strained left oblique muscle while taking swings. Nunez has been on the DL since May 12. “We thought he was ready to go again,” Girardi said. “He took swings today, and I guess he’s not ready to go again. He did a bunch of drills the other day and said, ‘I feel great; let’s try it again.’ And it didn’t work.”
Right-hander Michael Pineda will begin a rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Tampa on Saturday. The Yankees have a 30-day window to evaluate Pineda’s comeback from a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Notes on the game.
The Yankees have outscored the Indians 43-15, winning five out of six meetings this year.
The Yankees are still tied with the Orioles for second place at 2.5 games away from the Red Sox, after all three won last night.
Game kicks off at 1:05 PM (ET) on Yes and MLBN
