After Mike Mussina’s victory last night, the Yanks find themselves at 36-33, three games over .500 for the first time since last September. They’re also once again ahead of their 2007 pace when they were 35-34 through 69 games, 10 games out of first and six out of the Wild Card.
Today, they’ll go for their fifth win in six road games, and an another solid outing from Chien-Ming Wang would do wonders for this team. Last week in Oakland, Wang won for the first time since the start of May and looked much better than he had recently. Check out his front shoulder and the movement on his sinker early on. If that all looks good, the Yanks should be set.
The Astros are countering with Roy Oswalt, their ace in name only. For years, Oswalt has been one of the premier pitchers in the National League, but he has struggled mightily this year. He’s 5-6 with a 5.06 ERA, a mark nearly two runs higher than his career ERA. He’s allowed 15 more hits than innings pitched this year and has already surrendered 17 long balls.
On the offensive side of things, Melky Cabrera is making his 2008 right field debut. He’s played 13 games there throughout his big league career. The slumping Bobby Abreu — 4 for his last 18 — gets the day off.
Game time is 2:05 p.m.
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Matsui LF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera RF
Wang P
Game Notes: PeteAbe notes that the last six Yankee games have all been under the three-hour mark. This is the first time in recent memory I can recall that happening.