Yesterday’s game was just one of those losses. The team didn’t beat themselves with errors or boneheaded plays, their ace just didn’t have it. It happens. Thankfully, the Yanks are sending a molten hot AJ Burnett out to the mound today to stop the bleeding. Over his last eight starts (48.2 IP) he’s struck out 56 and held opponents to a .222-.336-.356 line, translating to a 2.59 ERA. And that includes his 2.2 IP, 5 ER disaster in Fenway. Yeah, he’s been crazy good.
On the mound for the Blue Jays is lefty Brian Tallet, who held the Yanks to just two runs over six innings back on May 14th. He’s been solid but not spectacular for a Toronto team dealing with more pitching injuries than any team should. Hopefully the Yanks pull this one out, because Doc’s waiting on Saturday.
Here’s the starting nine:
Jeter, SS
Damon, LF
Teixeira, 1B
A-Rod, 3B
Cano, 2B
Swisher, RF
Matsui, DH
Cervelli, C – Posada’s thumb is still bothering him
Gardner, CF
And on the mound, the lightning rod from Little Rock, AJ Burnett.