Yankees may let Colon face Mets
New York Yankees starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) runs to cover first base in the top of the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. (June 11, 2011) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
There's a good chance Bartolo Colon could face the Mets on Saturday, manager Joe Girardi said Tuesday. But first, the righthander must pass his evaluation.
Colon, who was en route to New York from the team's Tampa training facility Tuesday, has been on the disabled list since June 12 with a strained left hamstring. Girardi said the Yankees will determine his status Wednesday.
"That's what we have to evaluate. Do we feel he is ready? We'll get a chance to look at him tomorrow and make that decision," Girardi said. "If he's healthy, if we feel that he's ready to go, there's a chance that he's going to pitch."
He added that a rehab start wouldn't be necessary for Colon, who threw 60 pitches in a four-inning simulated game Monday. He allowed two hits and struck out three. Facing a National League team like the Mets will present additional challenges for Colon, such as hitting and bunting. But Girardi was less concerned about that or how Colon, who was spotted bunting earlier in the day in Tampa, would fare on the mound.
"The concern for me is not his arm, it's to make sure his leg is healed, and that we'll check out," he said.
