New York @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 27, 2012 ) Cleveland 4, NY Yankees 5
Although the New York Yankees left the Windy City with their tail between their legs, there's reason for optimism in Joe Girardi's clubhouse. Ace CC Sabathia is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list to start Friday's series opener against the reeling Cleveland Indians. The hefty lefty has been sidelined with soreness in his pitching elbow. Although the Yankees were swept by the Chicago White Sox, Derek Jeter has been swinging a hot bat by homering in all three contests.
New York's recent troubles have opened the door in the American League East, as Tampa Bay has crept to within 2 1/2 games of the lead. Mired in an eight-game losing skid, Cleveland has seen its offense go south. The Indians have mustered just 24 runs during that stretch, including five in their last four contests. Cleveland is just 4-17 in August.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (12-3, 3.56 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (0-2, 6.27)
Sabathia carries a five-game winning streak into Friday's action after winning both of his last two starts prior to his stint on the disabled list. The 32-year-old owns a 2-1 career mark versus his former team, but has issued 15 free passes in 32 2/3 innings. Sabathia will be limited to 90-100 pitches, according to Girardi.
Kluber will be making his fifth start of his career on Friday. The 26-year-old has struggled with his control by issuing three walks in two of his last three outings. Kluber permitted four runs on as many hits in five innings in an 8-5 loss to Oakland on Saturday.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees 2B Robinson Cano went 2-for-4 Wednesday to collect his first multi-hit game since Aug. 10. Cano, who went 3-for-32 prior to Wednesday's outing, has yet to face Kluber in his career.
2. While Cleveland's 1-8 road trip left a lot to be desired, 1B Casey Kotchman went 12-for-29 (.414) during the nine-game stretch. Kotchman is 5-for-24 with eight strikeouts in his career versus Sabathia.
3. New York placed RHP Ivan Nova on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday after an MRI exam showed inflammation in his rotator cuff. David Phelps will assume Nova's spot in the rotation.