New York Yankees

Entering a west coast swing in a groove, the New York Yankees look to avoid a sweep in the desert.

  • New York Yankees (16-22)
  • Arizona Diamondbacks (19-23)
  • Interleague, 9:40 pm ET, YES Network
  • Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
When New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner spoke with the media today, he tossed blame at the roster and not the coaching staff or management. Tonight in Arizona, it is on the roster to prove him wrong as the Yankees and Diamondbacks conclude their three game set tonight at Chase Field with Arizona looking to bring out the brooms.

It will be Nathan Eovaldi’s job to dodge the sweep and keep the Yanks from dropping to 4-13 on the road. The right-hander has been much better of late after a rough start to his season. He has won his last two decisions against Boston and Kansas City and looks to make it a third straight tonight. He sits at 3-2 overall with a 4.85 ERA that he would like to get down.

Nasty Nate has seen success in his big league career when facing Arizona, possessing a 2-0 record and a 3.18 ERA in seven games (four starts) against the D-Backs.

Opposing Eovaldi will be 25-year-old right-hander Shelby Miller. Miller was one of the more significant off season acquisitions for Arizona. However, he has struggled mightily to say the least and has largely under performed thus far. He comes into this one with a 6.94 ERA, issuing a lofty 23 walks in 35 innings pitched. That has earned him a 1-4 record in his brief tenure thus far with the Diamondbacks.

Miller was roughed up in his lone career start against the Yankees, surrendering seven earned runs in a dismal five inning performance.

Here is how the teams will line up, respectively opposing young arms with tremendous upside.

No real surprises on either side as the Yankees are desperate to pick up a win before heading to Oakland, and the Diamondbacks look to seize a home sweep opportunity.

Injury Update

Alex Rodriguez was initially slated to return on Thursday in Oakland, but he was pushed back. Today he ran on the field but the speed at which he ran was not too encouraging. 

A-Rod has said that it is his sharp turns that need to be sound before he can return to action. The Yankees will have to be in wait and see mode with their designated hitter. 

Diamondbacks reflect on perfection

On this day 12 years ago, Randy Johnson (40), also known as the “Big Unit”, struck out 13 Braves in becoming the oldest major league pitcher to throw a perfect game. 

If you are on the east coast, it will be another late night. The game will commence at 9:40 pm ET, can be seen on the YES Network, and heard on 660 WFAN/101.9 FM.

NEXT: Prospect Profile On Leonardo Molina

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