Contrary to my expectations, there did not seem to be an uproar with respect to David Robertson’s “closer mentality,” which is a veritable breath of fresh air in a season that has been full of stiflingly bothersome news and events. It seems as if many recognize that one game is far from demonstrative of a player’s abilities – shocking, I know – and are willing to give Robertson et al the benefit of the doubt in the wake of Mariano Rivera’s season-ending injury. This, I think, qualifies as progress for the more aggressive and pessimistic portion of the Yankees fanbase (read: the majority).

Sadly, there is a bit of disconcerting news to share, as Brett Gardner has suffered yet another setback. While the elbow did not bother Gardner during the course of last night’s rehab game, there was quite a bit of inflammation and soreness shortly thereafter, and the Yankees’ left fielder is scheduled for another MRI today. It seems as if this may be either a new injury, however, or a more severe injury than previously suspected as “[t]he problem is in the muscle and doesn’t seem connected to his bone bruise, and the Yankees believed the previous muscular injury had completely healed.” I suppose we will just have to wait and see.

For this, the Yankees bench will remain shorthanded tonight, with Jayson Nix, Dewayne Wise, Russell Martin, and Raul Ibanez riding the pine. On the brighter side of injury news, Eric Chavez feels that he is fully healed and could be back as soon as tomorrow – welcome news, as his bat and glove are a fine fit behind Rodriguez at third (and in front of Nunez).

Onto the line-ups:

Tampa Bay Rays New York Yankees
Ben Zobrist, RF Derek Jeter, SS
Sean Rodriguez, 3B Nick Swisher, RF
B.J. Upton, CF Robinson Cano, 2B
Jeff Keppinger, DH Alex Rodriguez, DH
Brandon Guyer, LF Mark Teixeira, 1B
Carlos Pena, 1B Curtis Granderson, CF
Elliot Johnson, SS Andruw Jones, LF
Chris Gimenez, C Eduardo Nunez, 3B
Will Rhymes, 2B Chris Stewart, C
David Price, SP CC Sabathia, SP

The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., on YES Network and the MLB Network. Let’s go Yankees!

 

21 Responses to Game 31: Progress for Some, Setbacks for Others

  1. bornwithpinstripes says:

    HOW ABOUT HAMMELS FROM PHILS, LOOKS LIKE A DEAL COULD BE MADE

  2. Phil C says:

    Can Nunez end the season with a fielding % higher than his batting avg? And when did Swish get an arm transplant? The past few days he’s made some great throws.

  3. Professor Longnose says:

    Nunez: the Phil Hughes of the infield.

  4. Professor Longnose says:

    Cano!!! Two-run shot. He’s getting really hot.

  5. Phil C says:

    Finally they’re hitting against Price.

  6. CC’s slider >>>>>>>>>

  7. Phil C says:

    Great pitching by CC, but how deep can he go?

  8. Phil C says:

    Jeter 0 for 4, bench the bum!!

  9. Professor Longnose says:

    All right, Soriano, get it done. Quickly.

  10. Phil C says:

    First save of the interim Mo era! 2 out of 3 ain’t bad, buy yesterday still hurts.

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