Betances, Banuelos, Phelps, & Warren Likely to Join Team

I would be utterly shocked if these four arms didn't pitch in the Majors in 2012 (be it for the Yankees or some unforeseen trade partner), so it makes sense to give them some exposure to life in the show. I also wouldn't be opposed to any of the four picking up some low-leverage innings down the stretch - especially when one considers the hectic September schedule and the likelihood that Sabathia et al will be rested, at least to some degree.

Towers Says Betances is Better Than Banuelos

From Ken Rosenthal:

Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers, who spent last season scouting with the Yankees, offers yet another ringing endorsement for the Yanks’ top pitching prospects — and actually likes right-hander Dellin Betances even better than lefty Manny Banuelos.

Betances, 6-foot-8 and 245 pounds, “might be King Felix," Towers says.

Banuelos?

“Teddy Higuera in his prime,” Towers says, “but with a better arm.”

"Might be King Felix"? Those are words that are bound to make every Yankees fan happy.

If you're not familiar with Higuera, here are his career numbers. From 1985-1988 (his prime) he went 69-38 with a 3.25 ERA. Injuries, including back surgery in '88 and a torn rotator cuff in '91, put a quick end to his career.

ST Game 19: Yankees @ Red Sox

YANKEES (6-10-2)
Brett Gardner LF
Ramiro Pena SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 1B
Eduardo Nunez 2B
Ronnie Belliard 3B
Jorge Vazquez DH
Jesus Montero C

Starting Pitcher: LHP Manny Banuelos

RED SOX (9-8)
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Carl Crawford LF
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
David Ortiz DH
Mike Cameron RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Marco Scutaro SS

Starting Pitcher: RHP Alfredo Aceves
 

News & Notes

- Here are the Yankees reserves for tonight's game:

Bench: C Austin Romine, 1B Jose Gil, 2B Kevin Russo, SS Doug Bernier, 3B Brandon Laird, LF Justin Maxwell, CF Melky Mesa, RF Jordan Parraz, and DH Gustavo Molina

Bullpen: Dellin Betances, Romulo Sanchez, Mark Prior, Luis Ayala, Ryan Pope, Steve Garrison and D.J. Mitchell.

- Here is what Joe Girardi said about Banuelos' surprise start tonight:

“I’m curious to see how he reacts,” Girardi said. “I waited until today to make sure that’s what we wanted to do… The Red Sox. There (on the road). ESPN. It’s something.”

“Even if he gets too hyped up, that’s something that he can learn from,” Girardi said. “That’s what we’re going to concentrate on not letting him do tonight. Don’t get too hyped up.”

Chad Jennings is reporting that the Padres have returned Rule 5 draft pick, RHP George Kontos. He will report to minor league camp.

- Joba Chamberlain is suffering from mild discomfort around the ribcage area. According to Girardi,  it’s similar to the Sergio Mitre's injury that forced him out of tonight's start. Griardi said that Joba will probably be pushed back to Wednesday or Thursday and that Yankees "don't think it’s anything serious.”