Chien Ming-Wang, who hasn't started a major league game since April 18, will make his (long-awaited?) return this afternoon against Texas' Brandon McCarthy.
It will be very interesting to see how Wang does. If he pitches the way he has in his last two relief appearances (5 ip, 0 er, 3 h, 1 bb, 5 k), there'll be nothing to talk about. But what if he implodes? Texas is a very good offensive team, and he's pitching in a hitter-friendly park.
Wang has a 4.84 ERA in 22.1 innings against the Rangers. We all know about his two scoreless relief innings in Texas last week, but his last start happened back in 2007 (when he gave up seven runs in 6.1 innings). Ironically, McCarthy was the starter for Texas in that very game (which was also his last vs. the Yanks), that the Rangers won 14-2. McCarthy pitched well: 5.1 ip, 1 er.
Let's win this rubber match and series. We've got a very tough stretch coming up.
Jeter and Posada are out of the lineup. Girardi (thinking about the ground-baller Wang) is replacing them with superior defenders: Pena and Cervelli. Also great to see Tex back.