Toronto @ New York preview
Yankee Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 19, 2012 ) Toronto 2, NY Yankees 4
After waiting more than two months to rejoin the New York Yankees' rotation, 40-year-old left-hander Andy Pettitte had to postpone his return from the disabled list one more day because of Tuesday's rainout. The veteran will finally make his first start since June 27 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader Wednesday against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. New York enters the day tied with Baltimore for first place in the American League East.
Rookie right-hander David Phelps will pitch the second game for the Yankees, who have plenty riding on the doubleheader. Toronto has lost four of its last six games, but the Blue Jays have won four straight and five of six on the road, including taking two of three from the Yankees last month. The Yankees lead the season series 6-5. New York has lost the season series to Toronto only once since 2001, dropping 10 of 18 meetings in 2010.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SN, MY9
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ricky Romero (8-14, 5.87 ERA) vs. Yankees RH David Phelps (4-4, 3.39)
Romero started 8-1 before losing 13 of his last 14 starts with one tough-luck no-decision mixed in. He lasted just four innings last time out, walking four and allowing three runs on eight hits in a loss to Seattle. The Yankees have beaten Romero twice during the streak. He is 3-7 with a 5.00 ERA in 13 starts against them.
Phelps will make a spot start to keep the rest of the rotation intact, as he continues to bounce between the rotation and the bullpen. In nine starts, the rookie is 2-2 with a 4.17 ERA. He made his last start Sept. 12 at Boston, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings for the win. He has made one scoreless relief appearance since. Phelps faced the Blue Jays on Aug. 27, giving up four runs in 6 1/3 innings and taking a no-decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York SS Derek Jeter is riding a 12-game hitting streak and needs one hit to record the eighth 200-hit season of his career. Only Ichiro Suzuki (10), Pete Rose (10) and Ty Cobb (9) have more.
2. Blue Jay SS Yunel Escobar was suspended three games by the club after wearing eye black containing an anti-gay slur in his native Spanish during Sunday's game.
3. Yankees CF Curtis Granderson needs one home run to become the first Yankees outfielder since Mickey Mantle to record consecutive 40-homer seasons.