The Yankees will face the Mariners for the first time this season, but the big news is that Robinson Cano will be making his return to Yankee Stadium. Many words have been written about what his reception will be like and what his legacy in New York will be, but baseball continues and the Yankees want a win.
#Yankees lineup vs. SEA: Gardner CF, Jeter SS, Beltran RF, McCann C, Soriano DH, Teixeira 1B, Solarte 3B, Suzuki LF, Roberts 2B, Sabathia P
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 29, 2014Jacoby Ellsbury having a day off after Monday's off-day is a bit concerning, but there's no word yet saying whether or not he's hurt.
Original lineup card had Ellsbury playing, Gardner out, so stay tuned #Yankees#Mariners
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 29, 2014There's more to come, I'm sure.
In his place, Brett Gardner will be in center field and batting leadoff. Derek Jeter bats second, Carlos Beltran is in right field and batting third. Brian McCann is behind the plate and hitting cleanup while Alfonso Soriano is the DH. Mark Teixeira will bat sixth with Yangervis Solarte and third base, Ichiro Suzuki in left field, and Brian Roberts at second base.
If you were wondering and/or hoping for a Robinson Cano tribute video tonight, then you can stop wondering and/or hoping. Apparently there won't be one.
Yankees spokesman: "We are not planning for a Robinson Cano video to be shown." Would not comment on why that decision was made.
— Anthony Rieber (@therealarieber) April 29, 2014Would one have been nice? I guess, but it's not really that big of a deal. Cano is only in his early 30s with plenty of career left to play, he isn't a Hall of Famer in waiting like Derek Jeter or Mariano Rivera. There's no reason to have a ceremony for only one part of his career. Usually when returning heroes step up to the plate, the fans cheer for him until he steps out and acknowledges the crowd. I would hope that Yankees fans cheer him when he comes up, but I won't be expecting it and you shouldn't either.
Also, just as a warning:
Rain has begun falling in the Bronx. Forecast is for more. Tarp is on the field
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) April 29, 2014It's supposed to rain all night and tomorrow as well, so tonight's game could be delayed. Who knows if they'll even be able to get all three games of this series in.