--2B Robinson Cano has come back strong since his benching for a lack of hustle, but the reason has more to do with a consultation with hitting coach Kevin Long. Cano has closed his stance, which, he told reporters, has helped him knock out five hits in his past two games. "Been working on the stance," Cano said. "(It's) not as open anymore. (It) keeps me more balanced and I can see the pitch better."
--RF Bobby Abreu hit two home runs and drove in six runs to lead the Yankees to a 9-2 win over the White Sox on Thursday night. Abreu added a third hit, upping his average to .299 and driving his RBI total to 95. --RHP Mike Mussina won his 18th game Thursday night and will have to win his final two starts to finally secure his first 20-win season. Mussina allowed one run on five hits in six innings, dropping his ERA to 3.57. Mussina received a long ovation along with the familiar "Moose" chant when he walked off the mound in his last start at Yankee Stadium.
--OF Johnny Damon was given permission to leave the team Thursday to be with his wife Michelle, who gave birth to the couple's fourth child, Danica. Brett Gardner was in the lineup in center field, and he went 1-for-4 with a walk.
--1B Juan Miranda made his major league debut Thursday night. Miranda, who was called up from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier in the week, got the start at first with Jason Giambi moving to DH. The rookie went 0-for-2 with two walks and scored a run.
BY THE NUMBERS: 12 -- Rank on the all-time home run list for Alex Rodriguez, who passed Mike Schmidt with his 549th homer on Sept. 3.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "There's probably 800 players in the big leagues, and the odds of me being involved were probably 2-to-1. It's funny. Somehow I find myself in those situations all the time." -- Alex Rodriguez, on his uncanny ability to find the spotlight, this time as the first player involved in an instant-replay ruling with baseball's new system. Rodriguez's home run call was upheld.
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