New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians: Domingo German vs. Zach Plesac

The Yankees lost a series for the first time in 10 tries during a stint north of the border, but they can still salvage a winning record on the road trip. To do so, they’ll have to best a so-so Indians team that hasn’t had the strength of their rotation live up to expectations so far. They’ll show the Yankees a new look in the opening game of this series however, turning to a rookie pitching in just his third game of his career.

Zach Plesac wasn’t listed in the Indians’ top 30 prospects to start this season, but he’s gotten a look at the big leagues thanks to a slew of injuries to Cleveland’s rotation. Plesac held his own in his debut against the Red Sox, going 5.1 innings and allowing one run, and looked strong in his last start against the White Sox, where he took an unlucky loss after going seven innings deep and allowing just one run. The Yankees don’t have the greatest track record against unknown rookie pitchers, so Plesac might be in line for another good performance.

On the other side, Domingo German will get the ball looking to return to form after throwing a couple of clunkers. German failed to get out of the fourth inning against the Red Sox at home, and got roughed up for seven runs against the Royals in the start before that. His ERA has risen nearly an entire point in that span, taking some steam out of what appeared to be an All-Star season in the making. There’s still plenty of time for German to earn that nod, but he’ll have to bounce back sooner rather than later.

The Yankees are also getting a boost offensively for this series, as Didi Gregorius returns from Tommy John surgery he underwent in the offseason. Gregorius is slotting back into his spot in shortstop for tonight’s game, and will figure to be a mainstay with short spells from Gleyber Torres or DJ LeMahieu as he gets back into midseason form.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EST, and will be televised locally on YES and out-of-market via mlb.tv. The game will also be broadcast on WFAN 660/101.9FM and WADO 1280, and you can stream it on fubo.tv.