Here is your end of the weekend open thread. The ESPN Sunday Night Game is the Cardinals at the Phillies (Westbrook vs. Kendrick), and that’s pretty much it. The Red Sox and Royals are playing the second game of their doubleheader, but I don’t believe that is on national television anywhere. Talk about whatever you like here. Go nuts.
Via Dan Martin: Right-hander Michael Pineda is scheduled to throw his first simulated game since shoulder surgery this coming week. “He’s continued to look good,” said VP of Baseball Ops Mark Newman. “With shoulder surgeries, there are always things that slow you down, but he’s constantly been getting better and healthier. We’re still counting on him.”
Pineda, 24, has been facing hitters in live batting practice in recent weeks. He’s confident he will return as the same pitcher he was before — “I’m going to be back and I’m going to be 100% … My arm is feeling good and I’m the same pitcher I was before,” he said to Martin — but you never really know with this kind of injury until he gets back on the mound in real game situations. Pineda continues to make good progress though, and that’s all you can ask for at this point.
It’s early, but the Yankees have yet to sweep a non-rain-interrupted series this year. They had a chance to sweep the Diamondbacks last week before dropping the finale in extra innings, and they’ll have another chance to sweep a three-game series today. There would be no better time for that first sweep of the year than this afternoon, against a Blue Jays team that fancies itself a contender following a big offseason. They’ve been wholly unimpressive in the early going — only the Marlins (-42) and Astros (-33) have a worse run differential than Toronto (-32) — but I think we all know that could turn around in a hurry.
Here’s the lineup that will face right-hander Josh Johnson, one of the Jays’ biggest offseason addition both figuratively and literally (he’s listed at 6-foot-7 and 250 lbs.)…
And on the mound for the Yankees is right-hander Ivan Nova, who is seeking his second straight victory. This afternoon’s game is scheduled to start at 1:07pm ET and can be seen on YES. Enjoy.
Via Bryan Hoch: Brian Cashman confirmed the Yankees will stick with their internal options on the infield in the wake of Derek Jeter’s setback. “We’re going to stay as we are,” said the GM. “Those guys have done a nice job. They’ve earned the right, and regardless, this time of year is certainly going to be a factor in anything that happens.”
Nunez, 25, is hitting just .184/.267/.211 (34 wRC+) in the early going this year while the 30-year-old Nix is at .172/.219/.276 (30 wRC+). That’s as bad as it gets right there. Nunez’s throwing has been much, much better these first few weeks, but that only goes so far. Teams usually aren’t looking to sell off pieces at this time of year anyway, so the Yankees are stuck with these two for the time being. Hopefully one of ’em starts hitting.
Dan Martin spoke to RHP Ty Hensley, who will be out another few months following hip surgery. He said the hip problem caused repeated abdominal strains and prevented him from rotating properly during his delivery. Will be interesting to see how things go for him following the procedure. Also make sure you check out this Jonathan Lehman piece on C J.R. Murphy, who spoke about his defensive improvement and learning experience since turning pro.
Triple-A Scranton Game One (5-3 win over Syracuse in seven innings) makeup of yesterday’s rainout
Source: FanGraphs
Following Friday’s blowout win, the Yankees and Blue Jays played a rollercoaster game on Saturday. New York led for most of the game, Toronto tied it late, then the Bombers took the lead and finished off the win in extra innings. Don’t look now, but since the ugly 1-4 start, the Yankees have now won nine of their last 11 games. Let’s recap…
MLB.com has the box score and video highlights, FanGraphs the nerd score, and ESPN the updated standings. Ivan Nova will be on the mound Sunday afternoon as the Yankees look to finish off the sweep against one of Toronto’s other new additions, Josh Johnson.
Not sure if you saw that play last night, but Jean Segura stole first base. As in he was standing on second, then he stole first. The rules allow runners to go backwards around the bases as long as it isn’t intended to make a mockery of the game, so … heads up play by Segura I guess? Definitely not something you see everyday. Or basically ever.
Anyway, here is tonight’s open thread. The Mets, Islanders, and Knicks are all playing as of right now (5pm ET). MLB Network is showing a game (who you see depends on where you live) plus the Nets are playing a little later on, otherwise you’re on your own in terms of entertainment. You folks know how this works, so have at it.