Detroit Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull will make his second start since a historic, no-hit performance when he faces the visiting New York Yankees in the middle game of a three-game series on Saturday.
Turnbull tossed his gem in Seattle on May 18, striking out nine in the process. In his next start on Monday, Turnbull gave up three runs on seven hits in six innings to Cleveland. Turnbull, who recorded just three strikeouts, got a no-decision.
"I felt like I battled really well," Turnbull said. "I felt like I competed a lot. I definitely didn't feel like I had my best stuff but I was able to make a lot of pitches. It's definitely not the easiest thing, following up a no-hitter. But it's kind of just business as usual now."
The euphoria over the no-hitter led to an unexpected foray into the spotlight. Turnbull hadn't even notched a complete game in his career prior to that night in Seattle. By the time he faced the Indians, Turnbull was a little worn out by the attention.
"I definitely didn't feel as fresh as I wanted to but at the same time I knew it would be a challenge this week," Turnbull said. "It was such a physical and mental emotional drain last week."
Turnbull (3-2, 3.12 ERA) lost at Yankee Stadium on May 1, allowing four runs on five hits in five innings. He's 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in two career outings against New York.
He'll be opposed by Deivi Garcia (0-1, 4.50 ERA), whose only other major league appearance this season came on April 26 against Baltimore. He had four starts at Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre, going 1-0 with a 5.17 ERA, before he was recalled.
Garcia, 22, is getting another chance to claim a rotation spot with Corey Kluber sidelined for an extended period.
"I definitely feel very good," Garcia said. "I understand the consistency that I want. I haven't gotten to that point yet, but I feel good. I feel excited for the opportunity, and I am looking forward to it."
The Yankees got one of their top hitters back in the lineup for the weekend series, as Giancarlo Stanton was activated from the injured-list. He missed 13 games due to a left quad strain.
"Even on days (Stanton's) not getting hits, I feel like routinely, we're looking at two or three balls that are smoked each and every day," manager Aaron Boone said. "He's been having those kind of at-bats going back to last postseason, and (he) has really carried it into this year."
Stanton struggled mightily in his return, going 0-for-5 with four strikeouts in the Tigers' 3-2, 10-inning walkoff victory on Friday.
Robbie Grossman hit a two-run homer on a 3-2 pitch from Justin Wilson after the Yankees scored a run in the top of the inning. Grossman, who took a borderline pitch that could have been strike three just before the long ball, had never previously hit a walkoff home run in his career.
"I'm very aware of it," Grossman said. "It's a special feeling."