The Yankee 411

NEW YORK – Make no mistake about it, it’s still the hottest ticket in town.

Yankees vs. Red Sox. Boston. New York.

Tonight, the greatest rivalry in sports resumes. And, oh yes, the stars will be out – both on the field and in the press box. Just the thought of the Yankees welcoming the Boston Red Sox to the new Yankee Stadium for the first time ever has BronxNet Executive Director Michael Knobbe coming out for the ballgame.

The “Big Boss” and I will be there as the Bronx Bombers open a mini two-game series against their longtime rival. Don’t forget to tune in Friday in the a.m. for Open’s coverage of everything Yankees. We’ll recap this week in Yankee baseball like no one can.

As for the Yanks, a rain out Sunday pushes Phil Hughes into the lime light tonight in the opener. Previously winless in the big leagues since Sept. 27, 2007, Hughes showcased sharp stuff in handcuffing the Detroit Tigers to just two hits over six scoreless innings on Tuesday.

Hughes was activated from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier that afternoon, summoned to jump into the rotation as right-hander Chien-Ming Wang works on mechanical and physical issues in Tampa.

Hughes will oppose Boston left-hander Jon Lester. Should be a great matchup. The Yankees, who were swept at Fenway Park last week, could use a pair of Ws against Boston. The Red Sox are reeling, having dropped three of their last four to Tampa Bay.

As for Sunday’s game between the Yankees and Los Angeles Angels, there’s no date for the rescheduled game just yet. Fans holding paid tickets for the May 3 postponed game may use them for the rescheduled game between the Yankees and Angels, or exchange their paid tickets for any regular season game at Yankee Stadium within 12 months of the postponed game (subject to availability), according to Yankees.com.

In other Yankees news and notes…

The Yankees placed left-handed reliever Damaso Marte on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, retroactive to April 26, with tendinitis and weakness in his pitching arm…

Derek Jeter, who was battling on a stiff neck Saturday after a hard slide and collision at second base on a stolen base attempt, should be ready to go tonight. He told BronxNet Saturday: “It’s a little stiff, but it’s all right. I’ll be alright. It’s a little sore.”

Jeter also commended staff ace CC Sabathia, saying he pitched well on a day when the Yankee offense stumbled…

Speaking of stumbling offense. Robinson Cano had his American League-season-high hitting streak snapped at 18 games on Saturday. The streak was a personal single-season best and tied a career best. He batted .363 (29-for-80) over the stretch…

Hideki Matsui has a 12-game hitting streak and is 17-for-46 (.370) over the stretch. ...

The Yankees have also signed ex-Met Casey Fossum to a Minor League contract Friday. The left-hander was assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.