Yankees News and Notes: Cano Hitter

The start of the Subway Series began with all eyes on Johan Santana, who was attempting to become only the second pitcher in baseball history to throw consecutive no-hitters. However, it was his mound opponent, Hiroki Kuroda, who flirted with history before allowing his first hit in the sixth inning. Maybe the problem was trying to accomplish the task single-handedly? By the end of the night, the Mariners were the team celebrating a no-hitter, but it took a record-tying six pitchers to do it.

Santana's no-hit bid was quickly thwarted in the second inning when Robinson Cano hit a first pitch fastball deep into the right field seats. Before the blast, Cano had not recorded an extra base hit on a fastball thrown by a lefthander all season.

It wasn't all good news for the Yankees following the team's 9-1 victory in the Subway Series opener. After being struck on the foot by a line drive that ended the seventh inning, Kuroda left the Yankees clubhouse on crutches, calling into question whether he will be able to make his next start.

Are there too many ads during a Yankees game on the radio? I wonder if Ralph Nader has ever heard of a Ballantine Blast or Getty Goner? Or, does he not know what happens every time a Yankee hits a home run (hey Dave Winfield, this Buds for You)?

Brett Gardner went 1-3 with a stolen base and one run scored while playing a rehab game for the Yankees’ Charleston RiverDogs class-A affiliate. If all goes well over the weekend, Gardner could be back with the Yankees by the end of next week.

More reinforcements could be on the way in the presence of David Robertson, who is scheduled to pitch for Scranton on Sunday. Barring a setback, the plan is to have Robertson make two outings in the minor leagues before returning to the big club during next weekend’s series in Washington.

Joba Chamberlain is another Yankees’ reliever on the road to recovery. The right hander threw off a mound for the first time since injuring his ankle back in March. As Chamberlain continues to progress, it is appearing more likely that he will make good on his vow to return this season.

The Yankees have also been busy bolstering the organization from within the amateur ranks. In addition to nearing a deal with first round draft pick Ty Hensley, the team is reportedly aggressively pursuing Cuban free agent Jorge Soler, and has already signed a fire-baller from the Dominican Republic named Manolo Reyes.

Ronnier Mustelier isn’t a name on the radar of most Yankees’ fans, but according to Joe Girardi, the Cuban-born utility man, who has been hitting well in Scranton, is being watched closely by the organization.