Yankees Defeat Royals 7-4

The New York Yankees got an important win on Monday night as they beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4. The win brings the Yankees into a tie for first place in the AL East with the Red Sox. In addition, AJ Burnett got his very first win in the month of August in his Yankee career.

So what exactly does this win mean for Burnett?

AJ Burnett did himself and his team a favor in providing a decent enough outing to give the Yanks an opportunity to win and also kept himself temporarily out of the discussion to be moved to the bullpen. With Freddy Garcia injured, a decision by Joe Girardi on the starting rotation has been put off.

Last week it seemed as if it was down to either Phil Hughes or AJ Burnett to be moved to the bullpen, with Hughes being the favorite due to his success in 2009. However, with single inning implosions like the 5th inning on Monday night, the Yankees gingerly try to push AJ through each of his starts.

Burnett on Monday night went 5 2/3 innings pitched giving up 10 hits, 3 runs, walking 1 and striking out 2. Mariano Rivera picked up his 31st save of the season. Derek Jeter had a great game going 3-4 with 3 RBI and making a couple of nice defensive plays in the field.