Hiroki Kuroda to start Game 2 of ALCS on short rest

In Game 2 of the ALCS, Hiroki Kuroda will make his first career start on short rest. (Getty Images)

NEW YORK: Yankees manager Joe Girardi has made his first big decision of the ALCS: right-hander Hiroki Kuroda will start Game 2 against the Tigers.

Kuroda was the Yankees' most effective starter during the regular season. However, because he pitched Game 3 of the ALDS and because of the compressed postseason schedule, he'll take the mound on short rest against Detroit. It's worth noting Kuroda has never made a start on short rest since arriving in the U.S. major leagues.

Girardi's other option likely would have been to start David Phelps, but this decision will allow the Yankees to give two starts each to Kuroda and CC Sabathia, should the ALCS go the full seven games.

During the regular season, Kuroda posted an ERA of 3.32 in 219 2/3 innings. In his lone ALDS start against Baltimore, he gave up two runs in 8 1/3 innings of work.

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