The Yankees decided not to trade for a starting pitcher before last Sunday’s trade deadline, instead putting their faith in the guys they already have. Freddy Garcia has been surprisingly effective this year, better than league average in terms of both ERA (3.22) and FIP (3.59), but he’s started against the Red Sox twice before this season and has gotten his brains beat in each time (5 R in 5.1 IP and 4 R in 1.2 IP). This isn’t a big game in terms of the standings (yes it’ll determine first place in the AL East for the time being, but both clubs have such a huge lead on a playoff spot that it’s not worth worrying), but it’s important for Freddy to show that he can at least hold his own against a great lineup down the stretch and heading in the postseason. Here’s the lineup that will be backing him…
Brett Gardner, LF
Derek Jeter, SS
Curtis Granderson, CF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Eric Chavez, DH
Russell Martin, C
Eduardo Nunez, 3B
Freddy Garcia, SP
It’s an ESPN Sunday Night Game, so that means an 8pm ET start. The weather in Boston isn’t great, but the wet stuff is supposed to hold off until after midnight. Hopefully the game is over by then, but no guarantees with these two teams. Enjoy.