Yordano Ventura proved he was past his back problems in his last start this past Monday when he gave up three runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 4-3 win against Texas.

The Yankees certainly are better than the Rangers, but they are not in the Royals class. New York starter, Shane Greene, isn't as good as Ventura and the Yankees certainly can't match Kansas City's bullpen.

Ventura is 4-1 with a 2.61 ERA in his last six starts holding opponents to a .199 batting average during this span. The Yankees have never seen the rookie. The Royals have won six of his last seven starts.

Greene has struggled at Yankee Stadium. He is 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in his last five starts there not including a well-pitched game against Detroit. The Royals are 21-8 in their past 29 games against a righty.

It's Derek Jeter Day at Yankee Stadium, which could prove to be a distraction for New York.