Final Score: 5-2 Rays
Ian Kennedy returned to the major leagues today to pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays and had similar results as before. 5.0 innings pitched, 5 hits, 5 runs, 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. Granted, Kennedy has pitched worse at times and did make it through 5 whole innings this time, but he certainly didn't impress on the mound. He was dominant in his last start in the minor leagues but little of that showed today. In fairness, he did go at hitters a bit more than he has in the past and that's an improvement. Unfortunately for Ian and the rest of the team, it wasn't enough.
The bullpen did look good, however. Hawkins, Veras and Ramirez pitched 3 perfect innings.
Once again the offense was pitiful. There were opportunities, however. Jason Giambi brought the tying run to the plate late in the game but could only muster a line drive out to left field.
Right now, you have to be happy Kennedy made it five innings. The Yanks don't have many other options for the number 5 spot and honestly there aren't any guys in the Yankee minor leagues that I can confidently say would have an ERA less than 9 if they started in New York. Maybee a guy like McCutchen after he gets some starts at AAA and maybe Karstens when he comes off the DL, but right now, Kennedy is as good as it gets.
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