Yanks' Phelps fired up for Thursday start vs. K.C.

Yanks' Phelps fired up for Thursday start vs. K.C.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

David Phelps is focused on his start Thursday against the Kansas City Royals.

David Phelps grew up in St. Louis, just 3-1/2 hours away from Kansas Citys Kauffman Stadium, so its a nearly perfect spot for him to make the first start of his major-league career Thursday night.

Sure, Busch Stadium wouldve been better, but that wont keep a group of about 25 family members and friends from tooling down Interstate 70 to see how their loved one and the Yankees latest addition to the rotation fares against the Royals.

Im really excited, Phelps said Wednesday afternoon before leaving for the airport and his commercial flight to K.C. before the Yanks met the Orioles at the Stadium, a practice done so the next days starter doesnt havent travel late into the night on the team charter.

Im trying as much as I can to take it like its any other game, but its a big deal for me. Its going to be awesome to have family there. Hopefully, Ill go out and do what Ive been doing.

Phelps, 25, has impressed in long relief this season after making the Yanks out of spring training, and with fifth starter Freddy Garcia banished to the bullpen after pitching poorly, the young righthander snagged a start.

Its unclear how long Phelps will stay in the rotation Andy Pettitte should need only one more minor-league tuneup before joining the Yankees later this month. But like Garcia, Phil Hughes isnt pitching well, either, and Phelps could win himself future consideration if Hughes has to come of the rotation, too.

Whatever happens, Phelps is concentrating solely on Thursday, worrying only about living in the moment. I learned early on, especially here, if you start thinking about the future, youre just going to prove yourself wrong, he said. All I know is that Im starting (Thursday). Thats as far as weve gone."

In six appearances, Phelps, a former 14th-round draft choice out of Notre Dame, has an ERA of 3.57, allowing 12 hits in 17-2/3 innings. He has 14 strikeouts and seven walks. Joe Girardi said Phelps likely will throw between 75-90 pitches.

Girardi knows Phelps likely will face a tangle of emotions and nerves as he starts so close to home and in front of so many familiar faces. But the manager believes that most of Phelps nervousness was eliminated earlier this season when he made his major-league debut.

I think whats helped him is that hes been thrust into a role (long relief) he hasnt done before, in not an easy situation, and hes done OK, Girardi said. Hes got that part out. Managing some of the other things first start, first time your family is going to see you a lot, that can be difficult at times. Hopefully he can get into his area and focus.

Its been a huge year for Phelps his wife gave birth to their first child during spring training. Hes delighted he can share this latest highlight with friends and family so close to home, considering it a chance to give back to the people who sacrificed so much for me to be here my parents, my brother, my wife, all my friends.