If you want to see Joba Chamberlain pitch today, don’t turn the game on late.
The newest version of the “Joba Rules” debut today with the 23-year-old starter getting the ball against the White Sox on regular rest, but with the expectation he’ll be yanked after just a few innings.
The Yankees are not revealing what Chamberlain’s pitch or inning count is today, but it sounds as if he won’t be around for more than three innings. This is the team’s latest attempt to walk the tightrope between winning now and protecting Chamberlain’s future.
For Chamberlain, the inning limitation does not affect his preparation or his expectations.
“It’s not different whatsoever,” Chamberlain said. “In that aspect, it’s no different. I plan on pitching like I have all year.”
Texas shelled Chamberlain for a season-high nine hits and career-high seven earned runs in his last start Aug. 25, which came after eight days’ rest. That outing prompted the team to reconsider the extra time he was given between starts. The new plan will stick to the inning limit they set at the beginning of the year, but will get there through shorter outings every fifth day.
His outings will increase in length as the season goes on in an effort to have him ready to throw 100 pitches when the postseason arrives. Though the team has not told the media how many innings Chamberlain will go today, the pitcher knows when he will be pulled.
“I know what I got,” Chamberlain said. “I’m prepared. We’ll attack it like we have all year.”
Joe Girardi said either Alfredo Aceves or David Robertson will serve as the team’s long reliever.