Chad Green will open the Diamondback series, and make his Major League debut, against Robbie Ray (1-2, 4.84 ERA) out in the desert. Green came over to the Yanks last winter in the Justin Wilson trade and has been impressive in Triple-A. In seven starts for the RailRiders this season, he went 2-3 with a 1.22 ERA. He says he hasn’t hit in a game outside of Spring Training since being drafted, he doesn’t even own a pair of batting gloves.
“First thing the coaches asked is if I ever hit before,” Green said. “I haven’t hit since high school, so that should be interesting.”
Originally told he would be in the pen, Green is nervous but ready to step up.
“Yeah, I think so,” he said when asked if he’s ready. “Arm feels good, yeah, I’m just ready to get out there…I mean, definitely nervous, just because they told me I was pitching in the bullpen. So yeah, I’m just anxious.”
Fellow 24 year old Ray took a no decision his last time out against the Rockies. He gave up five runs on nine hits and three walks with nine K’s through 4.2 innings. Opponents are hitting .154 in his first time through the order, .345 the second time through and .421 the third time. Dustin Ackley (0-2) Starlin Castro (2-2) and Aaron Hicks (0-1) are the only Yankee bats who have faced him.
Tidbits:
Over Ray’s last four starts, his ERA has jumped from 1.96 to 4.84.
The Yanks took two of three from Arizona back in 2013.
This is the Yanks and D-Backs first Interleague play of the season.
9:40 pm on YES.
