Before heading home for the first time this season, CC Sabathia (0-1, 9.00 ERA) has to take on Drew Hutchison (1-0, 0.00 ERA) in the last game against Toronto. Sabathia hopes to bounce back from a less than stellar Opening Day start where he allowed six runs in the first two innings. He finally settled down to throw four scoreless frames, but at that point the damage was done. Despite the rough outing he was pleased by his cutter, which was forcing ground balls. He said that he needs to be cautious about overextending himself in order to get into a groove. “I think it was just a matter of relaxing. I have to try to find a place in the middle where I can pitch good.”
In his first start against Tampa Bay, Hutchison went 5 1/3 innings without allowing a run despite not having his best stuff. He had some control issues early but got through it and eventually found a groove. He was one of Toronto’s top starters this spring earning him one of the two open rotation spots. He missed the past year and a half after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Mark Teixeira was placed on the 15 day DL on Saturday after straining a hamstring in game two. “I wanted to break everything in this clubhouse last night when I came in here, but I respect the Blue Jays organization more than that,” said Teixeira. “It was really frustrating. I felt like I did everything this offseason and this spring to get my body in position to play all season. Sometimes things happen. It’s part of sports.” He strained the same hamstring in Game 4 of the 2010 American League Championship series. The Yanks have called up Austin Romine to fill Teixeria’s roster spot.
Notes on the game
Sabathia is 14-4 lifetime against the Blue Jays. He holds a 6-1 record with a 2.62 ERA in Toronto.
After being walked twice in game two, Derek Jeter is still waiting for that one hit to tie him with Paul Molitor (3,319) for 8th place on the all time list.
Alfonso Soriano is now 0-16 to start the season.
Jacoby Ellsbury went 3-4 on Friday and 3-5 on Saturday. He has now reached safely in eight of his last 10 plate appearances.
The Bombers have yet to hit one out of the park this season.
First pitch at 1:10 PM on Yes
