He’s hopeful to get the best out of his right-hander, though there’s certainly little room for error given how little the offense is contributing.
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With his back against the wall as his New York Yankees fight to stay out of the AL East cellar, manager Joe Girardi became defensive about their lineup Thursday before a makeup game at Detroit.
Pineda (2-6, 6.92 ERA) was supposed to give the Yankees (24-28) a dependable second starter behind ace Masashiro Tanaka, but the second-year pro has instead been one of the club’s biggest disappointments.
That’s when Pineda bottomed out – for now – by surrendering six runs in just 3 ²/₃ innings against the Rays and had his future in the rotation questioned.
Boyd had been cruising after five, and was at just 52 pitches until he gave up the leadoff double, ending his no-hitter.
“They made an adjustment on my changeup and started taking me the other way”, he said. He’s going to see a right-handed-hitting lineup that swings the bat really well in Detroit. “Get it going for us”.
Refsnyder, the infielder/outfielder who has been begging for a shot for two years now, got the Yankees’ first hit, scored their first run and drove in the go-ahead run.
The Yankees know this start is important for Pineda as they attempt to get back to their winning ways following a sweep from the Blue Jays.
It would certainly help if the offense could take off some of the pressure.
The Yankees have gone ice cold at the plate lately, scoring just three runs during a three-game losing streak. They left after the game to continue their 10-game trip in Baltimore with a spring in their step. That included the first two games on the road against the Miami Marlins and a win in the home opener at Comerica Park on April 8 against the New York Yankees. TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSN DetroitPITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Michael Pineda (2-6, 6.92 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matt Boyd (0-0, 2.79) Pineda was hit hard for the third time in four starts at Tampa Bay on Saturday, lasting a season-low 3 2/3 innings and getting shelled for six runs on nine hits.
“If anybody tells you they’re not thinking about it, they’re lying, in my opinion”, said Fulmer, who lost the no-hit bid with two outs. Pineda, who lowered his ERA from 6.92 to 6.41, gave up seven hits (three to Miguel Ca brera) with no walks and struck out eight.
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Detroit has dropped four of the last five meetings at Comerica.
