By now, you know the drill: The pitching’s been good, but the hitting has not. Yadda, yadda, yadda. We’ve rehashed this all day; there’s no need to get into again.
The Yanks’ bats though will be facing quite the challenge this evening. James Shields, who threw a one-hitter in his last start, takes the mound for the Rays. There’s nothing like trying to break out of a slump against a legitimately good pitcher.
For the Yanks, Mike Mussina will attempt to continue his career resurgence. Moose has won his last four starts, throwing 22 innings to the tune of a 3.27 ERA. He strikes out only a few batters these days but walks even fewer. Moose will have to be on his game to give the lethargic Yankee offense any chance against Shields.
Joe Girardi mixes the batting order up today. Again.
Damon LF
Abreu RF
Jeter SS
Giambi 1B
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Ensberg 3B
Molina C
Mussina P