The New York Yankees' starting pitching has left a lot to be desired so far in the 2012 season. Freddy Garcia has been banished to the bullpen. Phil Hughes has a 7.48 ERA. Michael Pineda is lost for the season with a torn labrum. Even Ivan Nova, who had a 15-game winning streak snapped Wednesday night, is scuffling along with a 5.58 ERA.

When the Yankees open a four-game series Thursday night (8:10 pm. ET/YES) in Kansas City they will be auditioning rookie right-hander David Phelps, 25, whose first major-league start after six impressive relief appearances comes at a time when it might be more than a simple 'hold a spot for Andy Pettitte' type of game. If Phelps (0-0, 3.57 ERA) is impressive it could lead to a competition between he and Hughes for the fifth spot in the rotation.

"I'm really excited," Phelps said. "I'm trying as much as I can to take it like it's any other game, but it's a big deal for me. It's going to be awesome. I'm gonna have a lot of family there."

The 13-11 Yankees are 3.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League. The Royals are 7-16, fourth in the AL Central. Strengely, Kansas City has not won a home game yet this season, posting an 0-10 mark at Kauffman Stadium.

Left-hander Danny Duffy (1-2, 3.63 ERA) starts Thursday night for Kansas City.

Here are the pitching matchups for the rest of the series:

• Friday: CC Sabathia (3-0, 4.58) vs. Bruce Chen (0-3, 4.23)
• Saturday: Hiroki Kuroda (2--3, 3.69) vs. TBA)
• Sunday: Phil Hughes (1-4, 7.48) vs. Luke Hochevar (2-2, 7.36)

-- See Pinstripe Alley for more discussion and analysis of the Yankees. Also, check out the really well produced Willie Mays Aikens video below:

Willie Mays Aikens: Safe At Home - Full Nelson (via sbnation)