Series Preview: Series 9 vs. Tigers

This needs to be clear: the Yankees NEED to win this series against the Tigers. In fact, they may even need to sweep. The next team on the schedule is the Houston Astros. I am sure the Yankees would love to head into that series with some momentum and a .500 record, instead of losing record. Especially, when you consider this series is the first matchup against former Astros’ manager A.J. Hinch.

Game 1

Friday, April 30 — 7:05 pm — YES Network

Probable Pitchers: Gerrit Cole - RHP (NYY) vs. Tarik Skubal - LHP (DET)

Game Notes: With their ace on the mound, this is practically as “must-win” as an April game could get. Lefty Tarik Skubal will be Cole’s counterpart, and he has not been hot to start 2021 (5.21 ERA).

Game 2

Saturday, May 1 — 1:05 pm — YES Network, MLB Network

Probable Pitchers: Jameson Taillon - RHP (NYY) vs. Spencer Turnbull - RHP (DET)

Game Notes: Jameson Taillon rattled off three great innings before blowing up in the fourth frame in Cleveland. Against Detroit, Taillon needs to prove he can at least go five innings strong before the bullpen needs to swoop in.

Turnbull (3.27 ERA) has been very serviceable for the Tigers. Expect Yankees right-handed hitters to look just as confused against him as they have against every other veteran pitcher so far this season.

Game 3

Sunday, May 2 — 1:05 pm — YES Network, MLB Network

Probable Pitchers: Corey Kluber - RHP (NYY) vs. Jose Urena - RHP (DET)

Game Notes: Corey Kluber will come off his best start as a Yankee and try to earn a win before the team faces off against Houston. The thing to watch with Kluber is still his command issues.

Jose Urena similarly has struggled with command, but has been knocked around a little less than Kluber. Urena’s ERA is 3.77 and Kluber has a 4.15 ERA.

Sluggers to Watch

Robbie Grossman is batting only .210 for the Tigers this season, but he holds a .363 on-base percentage. He puts together great, veteran at bats and could cause trouble at the top of the order if he runs up counts and reaches base often.

For the Yankees, Gleyber Torres has yet to hit a home run. The series marks the one-month mark for the season. Can Gleyber really go a full month without a homer?

Injury Report

Luke Voit (torn meniscus), Zack Britton (arthroscopic elbow surgery), Clarke Schmidt (elbow strain), and Luis Severino (Tommy John surgery) are all out for the series.

OF Nomar Mazara (strained oblique, 10-day IL) and RHP Julio Teheran (strained shoulder, 60-day IL) will not play in this series.