Saturday, September 22, 2007

Hughes Starts, Clemens To Go Monday

Another starter scratched, another rotation spot in question. Phil Hughes will take the bump today, in place of an ailing rookie and an ailing 45 year old.

After Ian Kennedy was scratched from Saturday's start due to tightness in his upper back, Roger Clemens followed with a "stinger" in his left hamstring. Kennedy, who has never missed a start in his life, may rejoin the rotation "next week," said Manager Joe Torre. Clemens said he will receive treatment the next two days and is confident he will be able to start Monday afternoon.

As of right now, these injuries appear to be minor tweaks, but even if they were major setbacks, the Yankees would bide their time before revealing it. New York has to hope that Rocket and IPK can rejoin the rotation not only to help chase the division, but also to give Torre all the evidence he can sift through in order to comprise his playoff rotation.

Should Mike Mussina build on his last two strong starts, I feel there is little doubt that Torre will go veteran over rookie for the 4th spot in the postseason rotation. I don't necessarily agree with such a move, but Moose's next start will tell a lot in the making of that decision.

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