Series Preview: Indians at Yankees

Summary:

The Yankees can’t be happy with their start to a season high-tying 10-game homestand. Having the skidding Tribe visit appears to be just what they need. Coming off a sweep at the hands of their fiercest rival, the Yankees look to continue their success against the Indians in the opener of this four-game wraparound series Friday night.

New York (33-27) has dropped 10 of 14 at home after getting swept in three games by Boston to relinquish the AL East lead. The Yankees dropped two games behind the first-place Red Sox with Thursday’s 8-3 loss, which was delayed 3 hours, 27 minutes by rain. The Yanks have won 10 of 13 against the Indians (34-26) while hitting .304 and averaging 6.8 runs.

News/Notes:

• C Russell Martin underwent an MRI on his back, the results of which were negative. Martin missed his second consecutive game Thursday after tweaking the back while working out Tuesday night.

• DH Jorge Posada returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s game to be with his son, who underwent skull surgery. Posada went 2-for-4 to raise his season average to .203, the first time he’s been over .200 since April 3.

• SS Derek Jeter went 1-for-4 Thursday, giving him 2,990 career hits. Jeter is closing in on becoming the 28th player in baseball history to record 3,000 hits. Jeter also scored the 1,721st run of his career, moving him past Wee Willie Keeler for 22nd place on the all-time list.

• RHP Phil Hughes threw 30 pitches in a simulated game Thursday, hitting 90-92 mph with his fastball during the session. Hughes will throw in a rookie-level Gulf Coast League game Tuesday, his next step toward a return from a shoulder injury.

• RHP Jeff Marquez made his Yankees debut Thursday night, allowing one run in two innings. Marquez, who was traded by the Yankees to the White Sox before the 2009 season in the deal that netted OF Nick Swisher, was claimed off waivers from Chicago on Wednesday. It was his second major league appearance overall.

Injury Watch:

• C Russell Martin (back stiffness) did not play June 8-9. He is day-to-day.

• RHP Joba Chamberlain (torn ligament in right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 6. He likely needs season-ending Tommy John surgery.

• RHP Phil Hughes (dead arm) went on the 15-day disabled list April 15. He threw a bullpen session April 19, and was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 25. He played long-toss April 22, and he threw a bullpen session April 23. He cut short an April 25 bullpen session, and he had numerous medical tests performed in late April and early May, but all came back negative. He received a cortisone shot April 28, and he began a new throwing program by playing catch May 12. He threw a simulated game June 9, and he could start a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League on June 14.

• 3B Eric Chavez (bone bruise in left foot) went on the 15-day disabled list May 6, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 8. He was expected to begin baseball-related activities during the week of June 6-12. Until he’s cleared to run, there is no timetable for his return.

• RHP Rafael Soriano (right elbow inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 14. He had to stop a throwing session May 23 due to discomfort. He was shut down until around the second week of June, when he could start a conservative throwing program. He might be able to throw to batters in late June or early July.

• LHP Pedro Feliciano (torn capsule in left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 15. On April 18, Dr. James Andrews recommended a conservative treatment program until early June.

• LHP Damaso Marte (left shoulder surgery in October 2010) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He is unlikely to return before the All-Star break.

• INF Reegie Corona (broken right elbow) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He is unlikely to return before midseason.

• OF Colin Curtis (dislocated right shoulder) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He had surgery April 15, and he is likely out for the season.

Pitching Matchups:

Tonight
RHP Ivan Nova (4-4, 4.50) vs. RHP Fausto Carmona (3-7, 5.33)

Saturday
RHP Bartolo Colon (4-3, 3.39) vs. RHP Mitch Talbot (2-2, 4.18)

Sunday
RHP Freddy Garcia (4-5, 3.86) vs. RHP Josh Tomlin (7-3, 3.71)

Monday
RHP A.J. Burnett (6-4, 4.37) vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco (5-3, 4.52)

Roster:

Rotation:

RHP CC Sabathia

RHP A.J. Burnett

RHP Ivan Nova

RHP Freddy Garcia

RHP Bartolo Colon

Bullpen:

RHP Mariano Rivera (closer)

RHP Luis Ayala

RHP Joba Chamberlain

RHP David Robertson

LHP Boone Logan

RHP Hector Noesi

RHP Lance Pendleton

Catchers:

Russell Martin

Jorge Posada

Francisco Cervelli

Infielders:

1B Mark Teixeira

2B Robinson Cano

SS Derek Jeter

3B Alex Rodriguez

INF Eduardo Nunez

Outfielders:

LF Brett Gardner

CF Curtis Granderson

RF Nick Swisher

OF Andruw Jones

OF Chris Dickerson