With just over a week to go before his first scheduled start of the season, Andy Pettitte will be missing today’s scheduled Spring Training start with back spasms. Pettitte’s problem is his second of the spring, and while the Yankees are saying he should be in line to make his start on April 2nd against the Blue Jays, he won’t be able to go too deep into the game. Keep in mind also that Josh Beckett, who suffered from back spasms a few weeks ago, has yet to pitch in another Spring Training game.
The Yankees, coming off a perfect Spring Training week and at 12-7 on the Grapefruit League season, find themselves countering the Toronto Blue Jays today with Mr. Sunglasses himself, Kei Igawa. Despite a 3.38 ERA, Igawa has been far from impressive this spring. He has shown no modicum of control and has a 4:4 K:BB ratio in 8 innings. The Yanks are countering with their A-team lineup although, in my mind, the ordering is less than ideal.
In bullpen news, Joba Chamberlain is set to throw an inning today along with LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth. Nine days until Opening Day.
The game starts at 1:15 p.m. It’s on YES and MLB.tv. The Gameday will be available here closer to game time.
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Duncan LF
Woodward 2B
Update 12:20 p.m.: Lineup changes abound. Giambi moves to first; Duncan to left; Matsui will DH. Kei Igawa has been scratched, but we don’t yet know why. Jonathan Albaladejo will make the start instead.
Update by Mike 1:00 p.m.: Cano’s out and Woodward’s in. There’s a threat of rain and the Yanks want to see as much of the relievers as possible, which is why Igawa was scratched.