The Yankees (81-42, 9.5 GA in AL East) look to rebound against the American League Wild Card leading Cleveland Indians (73-49, 0.5 GB in AL Central, 2.0 GA in first Wild Card) on Friday at 7:05 p.m.
Yankees notes
The Yankees struggled on Thursday night, giving up a season-high 19 runs in a loss to the Indians. Chad Green had his worst start of the season, allowing five earned runs in the first inning including two home runs. Jose Ramirez hit a grand slam, and Jason Kipnis followed up with a solo shot, thus ending Green's start after recording just one out. The rest of the bullpen under-performed as well -- with Jonathan Loaisiga giving up four earned runs over 2.2 innings and Chance Adams giving up five earned runs and 10 hits in 3.2 innings of work. First baseman/designated hitter Mike Ford made his pitching debut in the bottom of the eighth inning, going 2.0 innings and allowing five earned runs on six hits... however, he did get one strikeout to end the top of the ninth inning.
| Indians | Yankees |
|---|---|
| Francisco Lindor, SS | DJ LeMahieu, 3B |
| Greg Allen, CF | Aaron Judge, RF |
| Carlos Santana, 1B | Gio Urshela, DH |
| Yasiel Puig, RF | Didi Gregorius, SS |
| Jose Ramirez, 3B | Gary Sanchez, C |
| Jason Kipnis, 2B | Gleyber Torres, 2B |
| Franmil Reyes, DH | Brett Gardner, CF |
| Tyler Naquin, LF | Cameron Maybin, LF |
| Roberto Perez, C | Mike Ford, 1B |
Who is starting for the Yankees?
RHP Masahiro Tanaka (8-6 overall, 4.64 ERA) was tremendous in his last start on Aug. 11 against the Toronto Blue Jays, as the right-hander went 8.0 innings and allowed just three hits while striking out four in a 1-0 win. It was arguably his best start of the season, and the team would love a repeat performance from him. Tanaka will try to get his ninth win of the season, and get closer to continuing his streak of double-digit win seasons... something he's achieved in each of his five previous seasons.
Who is starting for the Indians?
RHP Aaron Civale (1-1 overall, 1.00 ERA) went 6.0 innings and allowed only one earned run on four hits in his last outing against the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 11. The righty struck out five batters, something he's done in all three of his starts this season. Civale has also gone 6.0 innings in all three of his starts... this will be the first start of his career at Yankee Stadium.
Upcoming schedule
The Yankees send LHP James Paxton (8-6 overall, 4.40 ERA) to the mound on Saturday afternoon against the Indians' Zach Plesac (6-3 overall, 3.27 ERA). First pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m at Yankee Stadium.