Bartolo Colon was a curiosity when Spring Training began for the New York Yankees. A 37-year-old former AL Cy Young Award winner who had not pitched in the major leagues since July of 2009, he was brought to camp as an extra arm basically on a tryout basis.
Well, Colon now finds himself a key member of the Yankee pitching staff. After three mostly impressive relief appearances Colon makes his first start of the season Wednesday night (7:05 p.m.) against the Toronto Blue Jays. Colon is getting a shot in the rotation after Phil Hughes was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
The other youngster in the Yankee rotation, Ivan Nova, has not been overly impressive, either. Nova took the loss Tuesday night in relief and is now 1-2 with a 7.63 ERA in four games. Colon could find himself a regular member of the starting rotation if he pitches as well in that role as he has in the bullpen.
Brett Cecil pitches for Toronto. No word as of yet as to whether or not Alex Rodriguez, out the last two games with back and oblique soreness, will be in the lineup.