The Yankees lost starter AJ Burnett after just two innings in a 10-5 loss to the Tampa Rays after the pitcher cut his hands during a tantrum between innings, according to Marc Carig of the Newark Star-Ledger .
Here is the story from Carig:
Burnett cut the palms of his hands, near the wrists, on the sharp edges of the plexiglass lineup holders on the doors.
But first, Burnett lied to team trainers, telling them that the cuts came when he braced himself after tripping on the dugout steps. When questioned later by Yankees manager Joe Girardi, Burnett admitted to his mistake during a meeting in the manager’s office immediately following the loss.
Unlike Kevin Brown, who missed time in 2004 when he broke his hand by punching a clubhouse wall, the Yankees expect Burnett will make his next start. Still, Burnett said he intends to apologize to his teammates before Sunday’s series finale for an act that he called embarrassing.
This injury actually happened after the first inning, not the second, but Burnett talked the Yankees coaching staff into letting him stay in the game.
Pitching coach Dave Eiland was seen inspecting balls during the second inning. Apparently he found some blood on the balls and the Yankees pulled him after two.
The Yankees were down 3-0 when Burnett left and despite closing the gap 3-2 in the bottom of the second the Yankees failed to mount a comeback.
The Yankees long relief, RHP Dustin Moseley pitched three innings and RHP Chad Gaudin pitched four, were pathetic as they allowed six combined runs.
Despite the rough start, the Yankees lost their best chance at winning yesterday’s game when Burnett came out of the game.
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