Both the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals have been dealing with pitching injuries that have shifted their rotation over the past few weeks. They are both relying on veterans or rising stars to get the job done and that will be on display Wednesday as they face off with Kansas City aiming to avoid a fourth straight loss.
The Royals will put Chris Young on the mound after signing the pitcher to originally be a long reliever for the team. At 36, he is working off a one -year deal after going 12-9 with a 3.65 ERA in Seattle following a lengthy lay off with a shoulder injury. Young is certainly happy to be getting the chance to start against after he underwent right shoulder surgery in 2013. He spent several trips to the disabled list before finally getting back to form. Now he returns as a starter following injuries to both Danny Duggy and Jason Vargas. Young is making the most of his chance as a starter going 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA in four starts. It is uncertain how long Young will be a starter, but if he continues with this success, it could be awhile.
The Yankees will counter with Michael Pineda who is going to be relied upon heavily after recent injuries. He is 5-2 with a 3.59 ERA and has been up and down since taking the mound this year. He is coming off a start where he gave up seven runs in six innings after a start that saw him throw 16 strike outs. Against the Royals, Pineda is 2-2 with a 1.65 ERA in four starts. Mike Moustakas has the most success against the pitcher going 5 for 10 off him in their matchups.
Both teams need a win. The Royals are on a losing streak while New York has dropped six straight to Kansas City. Mark Teixeira could be big in this game. He is 4 for 8 with two home runs off Young. He is in a slump entering Tuesday's game going 3-for-21. However, he bounced back with a two-run homer and two-run double.
