Friday, March 5, 2010

Let the Debates Begin!

Yankees right-hander Joba Chamberlain has struggled in his first spring training appearance, allowing five runs, three hits and three walks in New York's 12-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Chamberlain, slowed by flulike symptoms this week, pitched 1 1/3 innings Friday in relief of Phil Hughes, his main rival for the Yankees' fifth starter spot.

Chamberlain replaced Hughes to the start the third and gave up three runs two hits and two walks during the inning. He left with runners on second and third and one out in the fourth.

Hughes allowed one run and one hit, a solo shot in the first inning, in two innings.

Tampa Bay left-hander David Price allowed two hits over 1 2/3 scoreless innings. He struck out two and walked one.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

Manager Joe Girardi has continually said that the Yankees won't judge the first outings as much as later outings because the pitchers will be stronger and more along in their throwing routines in two weeks as opposed to now.

Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come for either pitcher, but both will, of course, be watched very carefully as this spring training unfolds.

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