Angels at Yankees
Albert Pujols makes his Big Apple debut as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols hasn’t exploded out of the gate, going 5-for-23 with two RBIs to open the year, which could be why L.A. is just 2-4 heading into Friday. The Yankees, after getting swept in their opening series with Tampa Bay, took all three meetings with Baltimore – the final two in extra innings.
New York closer Mariano Rivera overcame a blown save against the Rays to pick up three straight saves versus the Orioles. Los Angeles’ bullpen entered Thursday with the best collective ERA in the majors (1.58 ERA), but imploded for seven runs on 11 hits to lose 10-9 to Minnesota.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS-W (Los Angeles)/YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Ervin Santana (0-1, 7.94 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Hiroki Kuroda (0-1, 6.35 ERA)
Santana was beat up in his first start of the year, serving up five earned runs – including two home runs – in a loss to Kansas City. The right-hander is 5-5 with 5.55 ERA in his career versus New York and went 6-4 with a 3.63 road ERA away from L.A. last season.
Kuroda wasn’t sharp in his season debut, giving up six runs – four earned – in a loss to Tampa Bay. He told the media he’s honored to get the ball for the Yankees' home opener. The righty went just 6-9 with a 3.27 ERA in 17 starts at home last year. He’s 1-2 with a career 2.45 ERA versus Los Angeles.
WALK-OFFS:
1. The Yankees won the season series with the Angels, 5-4 last year and are 13-4 in their last 17 games hosting the Halos.
2. Pujols is 3-for-15, including a home run and a double with no walks and four strikeouts versus Kuroda in his career.
3. Retired Yankees catcher Jorge Posada will throw out the first pitch for Friday’s home opener.