Game 125 Preview: Yankees vs. Astros

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees and the Houston Astros will conclude their three game series this afternoon in the Bronx. It will also be the conclusion of the Yankees season series against the Astros. Getting the ball today for the Bombers will be Brandon McCarthy who holds a 4-2 record and a 2.30 ERA since joining the Yankees. He’ll face off against Houston ace Dallas Keuchel who comes into today 10-8 with a 3.11 ERA. The Yankees will be looking to get back on track after losing the first two games in heartbreaking fashion. They’ll need length from McCarthy as well due to a tired bullpen that has been roughed up the past two days.

The Yankees, who have been playing with a short bench for some time now, have made a roster move today to try and bring in some fresh blood. Zelous Wheeler was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and pitcher Chase Whitely was optioned back down to the minors. Whitley has struggled in recent appearances after being moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen. Wheeler is in the starting lineup today batting 9th as the Designated Hitter today with Carlos Beltran still day to day with elbow soreness after receiving a cortisone shot. The Yankees are hoping to have him back tomorrow but his status is still unclear.

The Yankees received more good news on ace Masahiro Tanaka yesterday when he threw a breaking pitches during a bullpen and experienced no pain. He’s scheduled to face live batters in batting practice on Saturday. I will be the first time he has faced actual hitters since falling victim to a partial tear in his Ulnar Collateral Ligament and landing on the Disabled List back in July. A September return still seems possible.