Confirmation on the Orioles' Game 2 starter came earlier today when reporters were notified via e-mail that Wei-Yin Chen would be available in the interview room following manager Buck Showalter, who indicated yesterday that the Taiwanese left-hander would likely get the assignment.
Another rookie, Miguel Gonzalez, will start Game 3 Tuesday in New York.
Chen hasn't pitched since Monday, which isn't a bad thing. He's posted a 2.28 ERA in four starts while working on six-plus days rest. He has a 4.39 ERA in 16 starts on normal rest and a 4.09 ERA in 12 starts on five days rest.
Chen, the only Orioles pitcher with more than nine wins, has gone 1-2 with a 5.25 ERA in four starts against the Yankees.
"He should have some history with them and we've gotten a return for those times. He's pitched well. And (Jason Hammel's) ready to go," Showalter said.
"The good thing is all three of these guys are pitching on a day they can be successful with their track record."
Showalter has no concerns about placing Chen on a big postseason stage.
"One of the good things watching him pitch in meaningful games is somehow we think we have a corner here," Showalter said. "These things are big, but people talk to me about Latin young players and stuff and guys that have played in Japan. You've still got to go out there. Yeah, he's got experience pitching in front of big crowds in big games."
Gonzalez is 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA in two starts against the Yankees in the Bronx. He's allowed four runs in 13 2/3 innings, with one walk and 17 strikeouts.
"Gonzo, we've taken all the information and the experience factor, and he pitched well there," Showalter said. "They always have a full house in New York and it will also give us an opportunity to use him out of the 'pen (tonight) if we wanted to. And also to have the versatility with (Chris) Tillman and (Joe) Saunders to do some things if we have to adjust for the starters."
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