This is the Yankees' first home game since July 9 following an 11-game road trip. They are hosting the lowly Reds. So you have to wonder just how focused the Yankees will be especially with a lot of young players on their roster.

One of those youngsters is rookie pitcher Jordan Montgomery. He's facing another rookie starter in Luis Castillo. Montgomery is making his 19th start and showing signs of hitting that rookie wall. His ERA in his last three starts is 6.91. The Twins got to him for six runs in six innings during his previous start this past Wednesday.

Castillo has made just six starts. His ERA is 3.86 compared to Montgomery's 4.09. I have a high regard for Castillo and his potential. He's struck out 43 in 35 innings. He's also faced much better hitting teams than Montgomery has.

Castillo has made two starts against the Nationals, two against the Diamondbacks, one versus the Brewers and one against the Rockies at Coors Field. The Nationals are No. 2 in the league in runs. Colorado is No. 3. The Diamondbacks have scored the sixth-most runs. Only two teams have hit more homers than the Brewers.

By contrast, Montgomery has faced four below average offenses during his past seven starts having gone against the Twins, White Sox, Angels and A's.

The Yankees do hold a bullpen edge, but some of that advantage is reduced by how poorly closer Aroldis Chapman has been pitching.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover ran his Canadian Football League record to 10-0 winning his CFL Game of the Year on Monday. Stephen turns his full attention to the ball diamond today where he's found two strong sides plays in addition to this free selection.)