In the makeup of a rainout in April, David Phelps (1-2, 3.38 ERA) takes on Felix Hernandez (7-1, 2.57 ERA) and the Mariners. Phelps is making his sixth start of the year in place of Michael Pineda and looking to rebound from a tough homecoming. He wasn’t helped by his defense in his return home to St. Louis where he allowed five runs (three earned) in six innings. He’s pitched at least six innings in his last two starts. “You’ve got to go out and put up as many zeros as you can,” said Phelps on facing Hernandez. “He’s not a guy that’s going to give up a lot of runs. But our job as pitchers is to put up as many zeros as we can. If you try to make too much out of it, you’re going to get yourself in trouble.”
The Mariners ace won his fourth straight with a 3-1 victory over the Angels and the return of his fastball helped in one of his best starts ever. At the new Yankee Stadium he is 4-1 with a 1.18 ERA in 6 starts.
Robinson Cano took a pitch off the hand recently and has sat out four days in a row. Whether he will play in the game or not is unclear, but if he does Phelps knows the danger. “He’s one of the best hitters in baseball,” said Phelps. “You definitely notice him being gone, he was not only a great player, but a great guy to have in a clubhouse. He was close with everyone.”
Brian McCann, like the rest of the Yankees lineup, has been struggling. His .672 OPS ranks as the lowest of 13 big league catchers with 150 or more at bats this season. “I feel like I need to get more hits,” McCann said. “I just feel like I’ve been finding the barrel consistently. It’s just I need to start hitting a little better. Just got to continue putting the barrel on the ball. Eventually they’ll start finding holes.” Despite his struggles at the plate, his presence behind it has been a huge asset to the young pitching staff. “He’s got a good idea of what guys are trying to do at the plate,” said Phelps. “That’s the biggest thing for me. I know that I can trust him and that he’s got a plan going into every at bat, so it makes it easier for us.”
Notes on the game
Phelps has just one start against Seattle in his career.
Michael Pineda has been shut down after an MRI showed more inflammation behind his right shoulder.
First pitch at 7:05 PM on Yes
