The Yankees go for the series win against the Tigers today and hopefully they can continue the offensive barrage they started last night.
#Yankees lineup vs. Tigers: Ellsbury CF, Jeter SS, Prado 2B, Teixeira 1B, Beltran DH, McCann C, Headley 3B, Gardner LF, Wheeler RF, Kuroda P
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 28, 2014Jacoby Ellsbury leads off while Girardi continues to let Derek Jeter do whatever he wants as he remains at the top of the lineup, despite being one of the worst hitters in the league. Meanwhile, Brett Gardner is moved down to the bottom of the order because he's been struggling and Kyle Lobstein happens to be a lefty. Martin Prado's recent hot streak has moved him up in the order with Mark Teixeira and Carlos Beltran hitting behind him. With a lefty on the mound, Brian McCann is dropped in the order and Chase Headley, Gardner, and Zelous Wheeler close things out.
Masahiro Tanaka pitched another simulated game today, throwing 49 pitches and using everything he had in his arsenal. He reported no pain and said he wasn't afraid to go to the splitter as often as he normally would, though he still feels his command is a bit off. Joe Girardi seems to believe that there's no reason that Tanaka can't make it back in September. And further good news:
Ryan, who faced Tanaka all 49 pitches, said the pitcher seemed "close" to being MLB ready. Said "he could get outs now on stuff alone."
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) August 28, 2014Although...
In speaking with Japanese members, they agreed with our impression that Tanaka feels he's far from being Major League ready
— Marly~ESPN Deportes (@MarlyRiveraESPN) August 28, 2014