Game Day - Yankees vs. Rays

The much anticipated competition between Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain officially begins today and they face a nice test in a talented Rays lineup. It's another sunny day in Tampa with temperatures rising into the 60's, wind is still a factor but it's a great day for baseball. The game airs on YES at 1:05 p.m.

Yankees
Jeter - SS
Granderson - CF
Teixeira - 1B
Rodriguez - 3B
Posada - DH
Thames - LF
Cano - 2B
Swisher - RF
Cervelli - C

RHP Phil Hughes

Rays
Bartlett - SS
Rodriguez - LF
Longoria - 3B
Zobrist - 2B
Upton - CF
Navarro - C
Johnson - DH
Rugiano - RF
Richard - 1B

LHP David Price

Things to Watch: Hughes and Chamberlain are scheduled to throw two innings a piece, so put on your scouting hats. Granderson is slotted in the two hole against a lefty once again, it's clear that the Yankees want to track his progress against southpaws early, and he's patrolling center for the second time in his two games. Nick Johnson is getting another day off due to his stiff lower back. David Price is one of the premier young talents in the game. The Rays have an abundance of promising prospects, many of which will be making appearances today - watch for Tim Beckham, Jeremy Hellickson and Reid Brignac among others.

Game Notes: The Yankees are down 7-0 in the top of the fourth, needless to say, it hasn't been a good day for the pitchers.

Box Score

Hughes - Looked OK for his first go around, threw two full innings and allowed one run on one hit, one walk and one homer. He gave up a bunch of well hit balls, but they found defenders. He mixed in a couple nice change ups, which was encouraging since it's a pitch he's been working on. Had some trouble with location. Threw 33 pitches, 18 for strikes. The home run he allowed was to Sean Rodriguez, who is absolutely killing the ball - he now has three long balls in three games.

Chamberlain - Really struggled. Got hit hard and his command was off. He gave up five earned runs on two triples, a double and three walks and didn't make it through a full two innings. Threw 33 pitches, 14 for strikes. Dave Eiland made a visit to the mound and was seemingly concerned about Joba's delivery, which seemed a little jerky. The flu-bug he fought over the last couple days was definitely still affecting him, he's didn't look to be full strength. He did throw a couple of nice sliders, but he has a long way to go until he's ready.

In the most shocking moment of the day, Kei Igawa came on in relief with the bases loaded and was able to get two outs and didn't allow any runs. He actually looked pretty good and was keeping the ball down. Maybe he'll be able to contribute as a lefty specialist out of the pen after all, but I doubt it.