Chien-Ming Wang, RHP (0-0, -.--)
Koji Uehara, RHP (0-0, -.--)


Scouting Report:
Yankees: Wang made 15 starts for the Yankees last season before his year ended due to a right foot injury suffered while running the bases on June 15 at Houston. The blow was crushing to the Yankees, as they were 12-3 in games the right-handed sinkerballer had started. Despite missing much of last year, Wang's 46 victories since 2006 are tied for third-most in the American League and eighth-most in the Majors. His .754 combined winning percentage over the past three seasons is the second highest in the big leagues, behind only Boston's Jon Lester. Wang did not face the Orioles in 2008 and is 3-1 with a 5.13 ERA in nine career games (eight starts) against Baltimore.

Orioles: Uehara, a former ace of the Yomiuri Giants, will make his Major League debut in the second game of the season. Uehara is undefeated in international competition in his career and was highly decorated in his homeland, winning his league's equivalent of the Rookie of the Year Award once and the Cy Young award twice. Now, Uehara has come to the United States for a new challenge and will immediately slot in as one of Baltimore's most experienced pitchers. Uehara, who learned a circle changeup in Spring Training, is known as an extreme strike-thrower.

The last time Chien Ming Wang faced the Astros, his season ended thanks to an awkward base running situation.

This time, Wang looked sharp tossing two innings, allowing only two hits.

The Yanks and Astros played to a tie, with each team scoring five runs.

Melky Cabrera, playing for a spot in the starting lineup, knocked in two runs and went 2-3 on the day (triple). Jorge Posada added another run and Angel Berroa homered.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	3	1	1	0	0	1	1	.143
Jackson, A, LF-CF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Cabrera, M, CF	3	1	2	2	0	0	0	.273
Linden, LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.125
Swisher, RF	2	1	0	0	1	0	1	.222
Curtis, RF	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.200
Posada, DH	3	0	1	1	0	1	0	.625
a-Anson, PH-DH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Ransom, SS	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.167
Pena, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Molina, J, C	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.143
Pilittere, C	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.500
Miranda, 1B	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.182
Leone, 1B	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.286
Berroa, 2B	3	2	2	1	0	1	0	.571
Russo, 2B	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Bernier, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	2	1	.200
Nunez, E, 3B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.400
Totals	34	5	9	4	1	8	8
a-Flied out for Posada in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Berroa (1, Hampton). 3B: Cabrera, M (1, Hampton). HR: Berroa (1, 4th inning off Ortiz, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Damon; Cabrera, M 4; Curtis; Posada; Molina, J; Pilittere; Berroa 6. RBI: Cabrera, M 2 (2), Posada (3), Berroa (1). 2-out RBI: Cabrera, M. GIDP: Ransom. Team LOB: 3. BASERUNNING CS: Curtis (1, 2nd base by Paronto/Quintero, H). FIELDING DP: 2 (Tomko-Ransom-Miranda, Berroa-Ransom-Leone).

According to multiple news sources, Yankee starter Chien-Ming Wang threw off the mound for the first time since injuring his foot while running the bases in Houston last season.

Wang was able to comfortably throw twenty seven pitches, as pitching coach Dave Eiland looked on:

"He's full go for spring training," Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland said. "He felt strong. He really looked good. A good day for him."

Wang will join a new-look Yankee rotation this spring, as the Yankees rebuilt through free agency after failing to make the playoffs last season.

After finishing off what was a stretch run filled with highs and lows, the Yankees are looking forward to facing off against American League opponents, for the first time in fifteen days.

The Yanks were able to compile a 10-5 record during their assault on NL teams, but at what cost? The Yanks lost ace Chien Ming Wang to a foot injury, keeping him out of the rotation until at least August. The Scranton shuttle was busy as well; Yankee GM Brian Cashman made almost daily moves to facilitate an overtaxed bullpen and called up some reserves to give a depleted outfield some much needed rest.

Mother nature was also unkind to the Yanks, forcing them to sit through a two hour rain delay against the Pirates, and then two shorter delays against the Reds and Mets. The game against Pittsburgh was eventually canceled, and will be made up July 10th.

Robinson Cano has hit well of late, hopefully signifying an end to a horrible start to the season. Joba continued to adapt to his new role as Yankee starter, and pitched well against the Pirates in a 10-0 win. Andy Pettite also looked great as he led the Yankees to a 3-2 victory over Johan Santana and the New York Mets

In the upcoming week, the Bombers will face the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox.