Since Tanaka started in the double header against the Cubs, Vidal Nuno (0-0,14.54 ERA) gets his first start of the season in the final game of the series against Cesar Ramos (0-1, 7.50 ERA) and Tampa Bay. Nuno gets the call for a spot start following three relief appearances this season. He was smacked around for seven runs in 3 1/3 innings last time out against the Orioles on April 8. This is his first big league start since May 30, 2013. Joe Girardi said that Nuno is stretched out enough to give the Yankees about 75 pitches.
Ramos made his first start since 2012 on Sunday against the Reds, filling in for the injured Matt Moore. The lefty put himself in bad counts that resulted in some big hits and only two innings of work in the loss. He allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out one.
Mark Teixeira will be activated from the disabled list for action in Sunday’s matchup. Teixeira has not played since April 4, when he injured his right hamstring in a game against the Blue Jays. Along with Tex at first base, The Bombers hope to get some help in the bullpen as well. Girardi said that the Yankees will summon at least one fresh arm to finish out the weekend. “Especially going into Monday’s day off, and then going into Boston for another series on Tuesday, you’re playing within your division,” Girardi said. “You’d love to right the ship. The good thing is that Saturday’s game only counts as one. Even though it was pretty lopsided and it was ugly, it only counts as one.”
Carlos Beltran said that his sore left shoulder and right wrist are improving after trying to do his Cool-Aid man impression Friday. He returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Saturday and is planning on being in right field on Sunday. “A lot better,” he said on Saturday. “Not 100 percent, but yesterday I went to the cage, hit a little bit during the game. I felt fine. Today I feel a lot better compared to how I felt yesterday.”
Notes on the game
Friday night’s 11-5 win was the seventh time in Rays history that they beat the Yankees after trailing by four or more runs. The last time was in 2011Â when they came back from a seven run deficit on the final day of the season.
The 16 runs allowed on Saturday were the most the Yankees have given up since July 14, 2011, against the Blue Jays in Toronto, which was also 16.
Yankees pitching has allowed 27 runs in their last two games after allowing just 13 over their previous seven.
First pitch at 1:40 PM on Yes
