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Throughout the course of Bernie Williams' career, he did not encounter too many afternoons like what the Yankees experienced yesterday. After the Rangers toyed with them for the second game in a row by a ghastly final of 15-4, the Yankees fell for the ninth time in 10 games, including five straight defeats. On Sunday night, the Yankees will honor Williams be retiring his number 51 in Monument Park. The Bombers would be well-advised to not spoil the ceremony and get a win in the series finale.
Chris Capuano will be assigned the task of avoiding complete embarrassment for the Yankees over Memorial Day Weekend. The left-hander made his 2015 debut last Sunday against Kansas City, hurling three innings while allowing four runs and taking the loss. Tonight's start will be Capuano's first appearance at home since September 20th of last year. In his career against the Rangers, Capuano is 0-1 with a 10.57 ERA in four games (only one of which was a start)
If Capuano can't come through, 2014 top draft pick Jacob Lindgren will be available out of the 'pen for his potential MLB debut. He will be the fourth lefty in the bullpen, but he had a 1.23 ERA and 29 strikeouts in just 22 innings for Triple-A Scranton. That kind of talent has the potential to play well anywhere. To make room for the 22-year-old, they optioned Branden Pinder, who threw 48 pitches yesterday, and placed Brendan Ryan on the 60-day DL. As Jason noted, Ryan might never be seen again. I don't think people are complaining.
Yovani Gallardo takes the mound for the Rangers as they go for the road sweep. On the year, the 29-year old Gallardo is 3-6 with a 4.26 ERA in 50 2/3 innings pitched. Last time out, the righty was hit around for 10 hits and four runs in five innings against Boston, getting credited with the loss. Gallardo has received a decision in each of his nine starts this season. The former Brewer has only made one career start against the Yankees, receiving a loss on May 9th of last year in a game played at Miller Park.
The Yankees might have lost nine of 10, but have won all three games they've played on Sunday night this year, so there's that. First pitch is set for 8:05 pm and can be seen on ESPN.