Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang was chased from the mound in the second inning of the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays home opener, after the Rays offensive juggernaut became too much for the 29-year-old Taiwanese pitcher.
Center fielder B.J. Upton made his triumphant return to the Tampa Bay lineup with a walk in his first plate appearance and a bunt single in his first registered at-bat of the season. The Rays had been platooning players through the outfield waiting for his return to the team from the disabled list.
Wang left the game trailing 5-0 after walking Rays third baseman Evan Longoria to force home shortstop Jason Bartlett.
Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo, after throwing three straight fastballs, served up the grand slam that scored the three final runs Wang was on the hook for.
Wang has now struggled through his first two starts of the season compiling an ERA of 28.93 while walking six and giving up 15 hits in 4 2/3 innings.
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