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March 19, 2008

Chamberlain to start season in Yankees 'pen

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Joba Chamberlain, considered a candidate for the New York Yankees starting rotation, will begin the season in the bullpen.

"We think it's where he fits best right now," manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday.

When asked if Chamberlain would go back to the setup role he thrived in as a rookie, Girardi refused to be specific but said Chamberlain would pitch late in games.

"He's a back-end guy. That's how I'll classify him now," Girardi said.

The 22-year-old had prepared as a starter this spring, but was not surprised by the decision.
"I had another idea if everybody stayed healthy this would happen," he said. "It's best for the team right now."

The Yankees' projected rotation includes Chien Ming-Wang, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.

The team still expects Chamberlain to be a future starter, but Girardi wouldn't commit to saying it would happen this season.

Chamberlain started Saturday against Detroit in a split-squad game and allowed three runs and four hits in three innings. He has a 6.14 ERA in 7 1-3 innings this spring.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:37 PM | Permalink

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