Spring Training Game 18: Twins at Yankees

By: Gavin Ewbank | Lead Writer

Joe Girardi won't have an easy decision to make at the end of the spring when he tries to name his fifth start for the beginning of the season.

Michael Pineda has looked good in his spring two outings of the spring, striking out five in his start against the Baltimore Orioles yesterday in Tampa. Pineda wasn't as good as he was in his first appearance, but you have to think that if he continues to pitch well, the job is his.

At the same time, David Phelps was been pitching well enough this spring to win the job. Phelps pitched five shutout innings in his last start, giving up just three hits.

He won a job in the rotation last spring, and is certainly making a case to do the same this year, but it won't be easy with Pineda performing the way he has.

Phelps gets the ball today in Tampa as the Yankees host the Minnesota Twins at The Boss. This is an important start for Phelps, for the reasons I just mentioned. It was actually mentioned yesterday by Joe Girardi that Pineda will be on a innings-limit this season, and Phelps could put him self into the position of taking over if needed at anytime.

Today's lineup vs Minnesota:

Today's lineup vs MIN: Ellsbury CF, Roberts 2B, Teixeira 1B, McCann C, Nunez SS, Canzler 3B, Flores LF, O’Brien DH, Williams RF, Phelps P
— Gavin Ewbank (@GavinEwbank) March 14, 2014

Most of the team flew out to Panama last night to prepare for their two-gam series against the Miami Marlins this weekend. The Yankees had to bring up some kids from the minor league camp across the street to help fill roster spots, so if you're looking for a star-studded Yankees lineup, today's game is not for you.

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