Welcome Back Don: Yankees vs Dodgers (6/18/13)

Phil Hughes (3-5, 4.89 ERA) and the Yankees are back on the east coast after a long (and disappointing) west coast trip to take on Hyun-Jin Ryu (6-2, 2.85 ERA) and the Dodgers (and Don Mattingly) in the first game of two. Hughes has been hot and cold all year, and his last outing against Oakland would certainly be in the cold category. He threw 95 pitches and lasted just 4 1/3 innings after going seven strong frames his previous time out in Seattle. "I didn't have good stuff that day. It's something that I can't really help sometimes," Hughes said. "It's led to a lot of deep counts, foul balls and the pitch count getting out of control very quickly. I have confidence that I'll bounce back from that."

Ryu got roughed up a bit up by the Diamondbacks in his last outing on June 12, allowing 11 hits and three runs in six innings. Other than that he has given the Dodgers four straight quality starts and has allowed two runs or fewer in nine of his 13 starts.

Tuesday is Don Mattingly's first time in the Bronx since he left for the Dodgers six years ago. "I'm excited about going back and being on the field," Mattingly said. "It could be a fun couple of days."

Mattingly's reception could be a warm one. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he expects Mattingly to get cheered louder than himself. "I think it'll be great," Girardi said. "Donnie is one of the greatest Yankees that's ever played. He's one of the greatest teammates that has ever put on that uniform. I know I've always loved him and appreciated what he's done, and I know the fans have seen a lot more than I have. I think it'll be a great day for him."

Notes on the game.

The Dodgers and Yankees have faced each other 11 times in the World Series, the most matchups between any two teams playing for a championship in any sport.

Mattingly's number 23 is the only number the Yankees retired of a player who never played in a World Series.

An MRI on Sunday revealed inflammation, but no structural damage, in Mark Teixeira's right wrist. He was placed on the 15 day DL, so Lyle Overbay is back at first base.

Yasil Puig went 3-4 Sunday to raise his average to .479 through his first 13 career Major League games.

Game kicks off at 7:05 PM (EST) on My9.