PITTSBURGH — A frigid forecast has changed the upcoming series between the Yankees and Tigers into three day games.
While the schedule initially called for three 6:40 p.m. games at Comerica Park, first pitch is now set for 3:10 p.m. on Monday and 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The forecast for Detroit calls for a chance of rain and snow showers on Monday while evening wind chills are expected to drop into the 20s, according to the Tigers.
“I think we’re going to walk into a very cold Detroit, so anything to take that edge off a little bit makes a ton of sense,” manager Aaron Boone said Sunday at a rainy PNC Park before a 5-4 loss to the Pirates in 11 innings. “And the Wednesday into an off-day, to have the day game, definitely on board with that.”
Tuesday looks like the coldest day, with a high of 41 degrees and wind gusts up to 21 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge.IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson.IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Yankees hosted a few chilly games in their season-opening homestand last week and played through some dreary conditions this weekend in Pittsburgh.
But Detroit looks like it will be even more of a challenging environment, especially for hitters.
“We’re more of a summer game, but that’s part of the game too, especially in April in the Northeast and the Midwest and the different places you’re going to go,” Boone said. “You’ve got to deal with the elements some. It’s the same for both clubs and it’s a little more challenging, but one you’ve got to be ready for and hopefully we’re equipped for it.”
The Yankees will now play three day games against the Tigers at Comerica Park due to the weather forecast in Detroit.AP
Cody Bellinger returned to the lineup Sunday after missing back-to-back games with a tight back.
He went 1-for-5 with a strikeout and a stolen base and came through the game without any issues, Boone said.
After going 2-for-4 with a double in his first start of the season Saturday, Oswald Peraza was back at third base Sunday against another lefty and delivered a clutch two-out, RBI double in the ninth inning.
“Just taking advantage of those opportunities,” Peraza said through an interpreter. “Thank God I was able to come through there in those couple spots. That’s a big moment for the team. Just working hard for moments like that when opportunities come and try to do my job.”
In relief of Will Warren, both Brent Headrick and Yoendrys Gómez tossed a pair of scoreless innings to keep the Yankees within striking distance before their ninth-inning rally.
Anthony Volpe could put together a defensive highlight reel made up of plays from this series alone, with the shortstop’s best play on Sunday being a sliding grab to his left to rob Andrew McCutchen of a hit in the second inning.
