The Yankees hope to salvage this series against the Tampa Bay Rays with at least one win. Ivan Nova gives them a great chance to get one before going to Toronto. Here is there lineup for today's game:
Another Bag Of Bones Lineup: Gardner 8, Suzuki 9, Cano 4, Soriano DH, Granderson 7, Nunez 6, Overbay 3, Reynolds 5, Stewart 2, Nova 1.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughSL) August 25, 2013
Brett Gardner, Ichiro Suzuki, and Robinson Cano take their usual spots at the top of the lineup. Alfonso Soriano bats cleanup and serves as the designated hitter, while Curtis Granderson, even after being named as the regular DH, is now in the outfield. Eduardo Nunez hits sixth and Lyle Overbay and Mark Reynolds, hit in the same lineup, Overbay at first, Reynolds at third as Alex Rodriguez gets the day off. Proven Starting Catcher Chris Stewart rounds out the lineup in order to ensure that Austin Romine doesn't play.
Manny Banuelos, recovering from 2012 Tommy John surgery, has started throwing batting practice at the minor league complex. This is good to see, especially after he had surgery so late in the season because his rehab is likely to cut into 2014 as well, effectively losing two seasons. If he can start making strides like this, hopefully he can get back to pitching by mid-season in 2014. Tyler Austin, out with a wrist contusion is reportedly close to getting into GCL rehab games, making it possible that he could return to Trenton before the season ends.