Freddy Garcia picked a crummy time to have his worst start as a New York Yankee, and one of the shortest starts of his 13-year Major League career. Garcia (4-5) lasted just 1.2 innings Tuesday night against the Boston Red Sox, surrendering four runs and digging the Yankees a hole they could not climb out of. Boston won, 6-4, and moved into a virtual tie with the Yankees for first place in the American League East.
Garcia surrendered three first-inning runs, including a leadoff home run to Jacoby Ellsbury, and one in the second before being relieved by Luis Ayala.
The Yankees lost more than the game. First baseman Mark Teixeira was hit by a Jon Lester pitch in the first inning and left the game. He was diagnosed with a contusion on his right kneecap and is day-to-day. Jorge Posada replaced him and got three hits and an RBI, including his first two hits right-handed after starting the season 0-for-27.
Derek Jeter went 2-for-5 for the Yankees and now has 2,988 hits in his quest to become the first player to reach 3,000 hits for the Yankees.
Rookie reliever Hector Noesi also provided a bright spot for the Yankees, pitching six innings in relief. He allowed only a two-run home by David Ortiz during his impressive appearance.
The teams meet again Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.