For the first time this season, the Yankees are on the road away from Yankee Stadium. They begin a six-game road trip this afternoon in Detroit — today is the Tigers’ home opener — against a Tigers team that is looking to go back to the postseason after finishing in last place a year ago. The Tigers had basically the opposite offseason of the Yankees. They spent big on free agents to plug their roster holes.
Enough about the Tigers though. Young Luis Severino is on the mound this afternoon, and based on his limited work last season, you could argue he is the Yankees’ best starting pitcher. I’m not sure I’d go that far just yet, but the point is he’s in the conversation. Soon it could be crystal clear. Severino’s importance to the Yankees both in the short and long-term can not be overstated. He’s a hugely critical piece of the puzzle. Here is the Tigers’ lineup and here is the Yankees’ lineup, which looks very much like the lineup you’d expect to see for a day game following a night of travel:
- CF Jacoby Ellsbury
- LF Brett Gardner
- 2B Starlin Castro
- DH Mark Teixeira
- 1B Dustin Ackley
- 3B Chase Headley
- SS Didi Gregorius
- RF Aaron Hicks
- C Austin Romine
RHP Luis Severino
It’s sunny — cold, but sunny — in Detroit right now, and there is some rain and snow in the forecast later tonight. It looks like the wet stuff will stay away long enough for them to get the game in, thankfully. Could be a problem if they go to extra innings though. Today’s game will begin just after 1pm ET and you can watch on YES. Enjoy.
Bullpen Update: Joe Girardi said Ivan Nova, who threw 56 pitches Wednesday night, will not be available today or tomorrow. He should be good to go by Sunday though.
Lineup Update: Girardi said everyone is healthy, he’s just resting his veterans. “I’m trying to stay ahead of it … I’m not running out a bunch of 25 and 26-year-old kids,” said the skipper to Erik Boland. The Yankees have been talking about giving their regulars more rest since the end of last season.
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