While it’s a good matchup on its own – although tonight’s pitching matchup leaves a bit to be desired – all the news surrounding New York is about shortstop Derek Jeter. The Yanks’ captain, who is hitting all of .250 with two extra base hits this year, reportedly wasn’t happy that he wasn’t in the lineup for Thursday afternoon’s game with Detroit. Manager Joe Girardi said it was just a scheduled day off for Jeter (and Alex Rodriguez) and that it had nothing to do with the fact Jeter was pulled from Wednesday’s game with a sore hip – after which Jeter said he would play Thursday.

Jeter made sure to make it clear he wasn’t hurt.

"There is no injury. I have had zero treatment," said Jeter, who is 4-for-13 (.308) in his last three games. "I am not happy but I am not upset about it. I am not going to fight somebody."

Jeter didn't attempt to talk his way into the lineup. His replacement, Eduardo Nunez, committed two throwing errors as the Yankees lost their third in a row. A-Rod did end up playing yesterday because his replacement, Eric Chavez, hurt his foot. Rodriguez went 2-for-2 with two singles, but he still has just seven hits in 42 at-bats (.167) and hasn't homered in 42 at-bats. New York had been the only American League team without a three-game losing streak.

The Yanks start Ivan Nova (2-2, 5.14) tonight. Texas starts lefty Matt Harrison (3-3, 4.59). He went 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in his first three starts but is 0-3 with an 11.12 ERA in his last three. New York took two of three earlier this season at home vs. Texas – back when the Rangers had a healthy Josh Hamilton, who remains out.

Get the best MLB player props at Bodog!