Game 88: Yankees @ Indians
By Joe Vitulli
June 5, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Nick Swisher (left) stands at first base with New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira (25) during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Yankees won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
The Yankees will continue their road trip leading up to the All Star break in Cleveland Monday night. The rotation shake up that started with Vidal Nuno being traded to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Brandon McCarthy will continue tonight as Chase Whitley has been dropped from the rotation.
Making his first big league against the Indians the first of a four game set at Progressive Field will be Shane Greene. This is actually the fourth stint in the majors this season having ridden the Scranton Shuttle three times in April, but this will be his first chance to start for the Bombers. In 15 games, including 13 starts, at AAA this season Greene is is 5-2 with a 4.61 ERA.
Opposing the Yankees for the Indians will be the Cleveland ace, Justin Masterson. After a career year in 2013, Masterson has struggled in 2014. He is 4-5 with a 5.16 ERA. Masterson has especially had a hard time against left handed hitters this season. Lefties are hitting .315 off the right hander. Fortunately for the Yankees, the former Red Sox prospect will be facing a Bomber lineup stocked with left handed hitters.
GAME NOTES:
- All Stars: Derek Jeter will be the starting shortstop for the American League next week in Minnesota. He will be joined by two rookie teammates in Masahiro Tanaka and Dellin Betances. Brett Gardner and David Robertson, while worthy of an All Star selection were overlooked when the rosters were announced yesterday. Michael Brantley will be the lone Indians representative at the game.
- Slugfest or Pitching Duel: A game in which a player is making his first major league start against a pitcher with an ERA over five is generally a recipe for an old fashioned barn burner. Except when it isn’t.
- Robertson a True Closer: With 21 saves in 2014, is just the ninth Yankee ever to reach the 20 saves plateau in a single season, joining Steve Farr, Goose Gossage, Sparky Lyle, Lindy McDaniel, Dave Righetti, Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano and John Wetteland.