With the Yanks right in the middle of a 16-game stretch, the starters will get a rest over the next few days. Johnny Damon was out of the lineup on Monday, and Swisher took a seat yesterday. Today it’s Teixeira, though I’m a bit surprised it’s not A-Rod on a day game after a night game. I expect he’ll get tomorrow off.
Taking the hill for the Blue Jays is rookie Ricky Romero. The lefty started off the season strong, bringing his ERA as low as 2.85 after shutting out the Rays over eight innings on July 1. He’s been less than impressive since then, allowing 24 runs over 43 innings with a 29:20 K/BB ratio. As Mike suggested, he could be vulnerable against lefties because of his reliance on his changeup.
Romero has faced the Yankees just once this season, in his start following the Rays shutout. He pitched very well through six, allowing just a home run to Eric Hinske — who is in the lineup today, and knowing Girardi it’s probably for just that reason. He hit a snag in the seventh, though, when two singles, a force out, and a walk loaded the bases. Nick Swisher managed to plate two of those runs off Brandon League, but the Yanks were already down 7-1. Had Teixeira and A-Rod continued the rally, perhaps the Yanks could have won that game.
A.J. Burnett is coming off perhaps his best start of the season. After Jacoby Ellsbury singled to lead off the game, Burnett didn’t allow the Red Sox any more through 7.2 innings. He did walk six, but seeing as Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis each walked twice, a few of those might have been with a purpose. Other than a hiccup in Chicago, Burnett has been lights out since getting shelled in Boston back in June. As he himself said: “I’m going to go on a run, and it will be impressive.” It sure has, A.J.
Lineup:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Hideki Matsui, DH
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jorge Posada, C
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Nick Swisher, 1B
8. Eric Hinske, RF
9. Melky Cabrera, CF
And on the mound, number thirty-four, A.J. Burnett.