Looking to get Chien-Ming Wang some work in a game-type setting, the Yankees will have him throw an extended spring training game on Thursday. From Kat O’Brien:
Wang, who will remain on the Yankees active roster, is scheduled to throw 100 pitches in front of Yankees Tampa-based officials Mark Newman and Nardi Contreras.
This way, Joe Girardi explained, Wang can attempt to figure out what’s wrong pitching in game conditions as opposed to more bullpen sessions. Part of the problem has been that Wang has looked good in the bullpen between starts and before games, but has struggled in games.
“We think he needs to pitch,” Girardi said.
The Yankees next need a starter other than the four currently in the rotation next Tuesday against Detroit. Hopefully Wang gets his head screwed back on by then, and he can retake his rightful place in what looks to be a great rotation. If not, expect to see Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, or Alfredo Aceves get a shot. If the Yankees put Wang on the DL with an “injury,” Hughes may be handed his rotation spot until Chien-Ming can work things out.
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2 Responses to Wang To Pitch In Extended Spring Training
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TIQ IQ
Great news. This is exactly what I was hoping they would do.
As far as his replacement, it looks like its between Hughes and IPK. Aceves has been shaky out of the gate in AAA and was in Spring Training as well.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Alfredo%20Aceves&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=469686
They know better than I do who’s throwing the ball best, but in terms of results IPK has been better so far. I was under the impression that they wanted Hughes to work on his change and/or cutter. Not sure where he is with those two pitches at this point.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Ian%20Kennedy&pos=P&sid=t531&t=p_pbp&pid=453178
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Phil%20Hughes&pos=P&sid=t531&t=p_pbp&pid=461833
I think it depends. If they feel that Wang needs to start from scratch and it may take some time, I would bet on Phil. Otherwise, IPK or Aceves will get the look. If it is one start, it will almost certainly be Aceves.