Getting these chances and earning his first major league victory has Dan Giese thinking it’s as if his co-star is Tom Hanks.
“I feel like I’m acting out a movie script or something,” Giese said. “This is awesome.”
In the last six days, Giese has had two relief outings for the Yankees – Tuesday against Toronto and yesterday versus Kansas City. The 31-year-old righty relieved Joba Chamberlain in each of his starts, taking the loss Tuesday night and the win yesterday afternoon but issuing a strong outing in each.
In yesterday’s 6-3 triumph at Yankee Stadium, Giese (rhymes with vice) entered for Chamberlain in the top of the fifth inning, coming in with David DeJesus on first base and one out. He hurled 22/3 hitless and walk-less innings, striking out three to earn the victory.
On Tuesday, Giese had relieved Chamberlain and suffered the loss, he surrendered one earned run in 32/3 innings. He tallied one earned run in 61/3 frames, allowing five hits in those two games.Maybe Giese has proven something.
“I hope so,” he said. “That’s why we work our tail off.”
Last year was Giese’s seventh professional season; his first six full ones were in the minors. Last September he made his major league debut for the Giants, pitching in eight games and posting a 4.82 ERA.
After signing with the Yankees in November, Giese started this year at Triple-A. He was summoned to the Yanks last Tuesday, then was sent down the next day. He was summoned again on Friday as Chris Britton went on the disabled list.
Giese said that yesterday he felt “more relaxed” than he did on Tuesday, and the calmer California native received the lineup card and a ball from the game. Said Giese afterwards, “The way I’ve been taking it, I’m going to start after Joba.” For Giese, it’s been a well-pitched – and well-acted – role.
–Additional reporting by Larry Brooks