New York Yankees starting corner infielders, Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis are both due to come off the Disabled list on Friday for the series opener against the Red Sox.
The timing is a best case scenario since both can bat right-handed and Boston will be throwing back-to-back lefties against New York Yankees suddenly anemic lineup.
For New York, it will have to approach roster moves in two phases. With Teixeira and Youkilis returning,
If the Yankees elect to keep Nova, coming off an encouraging long relief appearance, it would only make sense to demote Warren, who is redundant as a long reliever.
It’s important to note Andy Pettitte is due back in the rotation on Monday to take Nuno’s spot, and it’s unlikely the Yankees carry: Warren, Phelps and Nova at the same time.
Warren did not pitch well in his most recent appearance.
When Pettitte returns, it means one of the position players will have to go since New York will be down to 12 pitchers.
David Adams and Lyle Overbay both play positions occupied by the returning Youkilis and Teixeira, and Reid Brignac and Jayson Nix can both play shortstop.
Brian Cashman indicated recently Adams is valued as a right-handed bat and Youkilis may DH vs lefties (since Hafner only plays vs righties) which means Adams can split time between backup and starting, also playing third when Youkilis rests.
The Yankees won’t want to let Overbay, who is out of options, go, since he has been one of the best hitters for the team this season, so it could be Brignac with the Yankees playing short-handed at shortstop until Eduardo Nunez is healthy.
The Yankees will play three against the first place Red Sox at home, trying to snap a five game losing streak after a four game sweep at the hands of the cross-town rival, Mets.
