Last night’s frustrating loss aside, the Yankees are still sitting pretty atop the American League East. They bolstered their bench by acquiring Jerry Hairston Jr. earlier today, though he’s not going to arrive in time to be in uniform tonight. Cody Ransom lives to see another day.
Shelley Duncan has been called up to add some righthanded pop to the lineup, although you have to wonder how long he’ll be around with Hairston coming aboard. Jon Albaladejo was optioned out to make room for Shellster on the roster. I haven’t seen confirmation anywhere, but it’s safe to assume either Xavier Nady or Chien-Ming Wang was moved to the 60-day DL to free up a 40-man spot.
Young southpaw Clayton Richard was scheduled to start for the White Sox tonight, but he was traded to San Diego in a package for the injured Jake Peavy this afternoon. Long reliever DJ Carrasco will make the start instead. Here’s the starting nine:
Jeter, SS
Damon, LF
Teixeira, 1B
A-Rod, 3B
Matsui, DH
Posada, C
Cano, 2B
Melky, CF
Hinske, RF
And on the mound, Sergio! Mitre.