• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Ponson faces former team when Yankees host Rangers

Jul 2, 2008 - 12:46 PM Texas (44-41) at New York (44-40) 7:05 p.m. EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- Sidney Ponson aims for retribution Wednesday when the New York Yankees try to avoid a three-game sweep against the Texas Rangers.

Ponson (5-1, 3.50 ERA) signed a one-year contract to join the Rangers from the Minnesota Twins in the offseason and despite winning four of five decisions with Texas in 2008, was designated for assignment on June 6 "for disrespecting teammates and club personnel," according to Texas general manager Jon Daniels.

Ponson reportedly was warned that further problems would not be tolerated after he created a disturbance in a hotel bar in St. Petersburg, Florida during a road trip. He also reacted angrily after being taken out of a June 4 game against the Cleveland Indians.

Desperate for starting pitching, the Yankees signed Ponson to a minor league contract soon after his release and the veteran righthander rewarded his new team with six strong innings, allowing just five hits and four walks while striking out four en route to a 9-0 win against the New York Mets during his first start on Friday.

Luis Mendoza (1-2, 5.40) makes his first start in more than two months when he counters for the Rangers. After starting the season with two losses in his first three starts, Mendoza was placed on the disabled list on April 23 with right shoulder inflammation and has pitched out of the bullpen since returning June 21.