Yankees’ Whitson Changes Mind, Agrees to Pitch at Home Saturday

Pitcher Ed Whitson of the New York Yankees has changed his mind and will accept a chance to pitch at home in his next scheduled start--Saturday against Cleveland.

Whitson, a target of constant booing in Yankee Stadium and of fan harassment outside the stadium last year, met with Manager Lou Piniella Tuesday, and the two decided that Whitson would remain in the rotation.

Piniella had announced during that last home stand that Whitson would start only on the road.

But because of Whitson’s impressive performance in Monday night’s victory over the Kansas City Royals and a long home stand coming up, Piniella changed his thinking.

“He threw well, he got his work in,” Piniella said. “We’ve got a 10-game home stand coming up, and it would be a shame to have Eddie idle for those 10 days. Plus, he’s an integral part of the starting staff. He needs one good performance at home and then I think the fans will treat him differently.”

Whitson said at first he turned down the opportunity.

“I just wanted to enjoy the win and not think about anything else,” he said. “But if I didn’t pitch Saturday, it would be 12 days off between starts. I want to win as bad for the fans as they want us to win. The more I throw, the better I’ll get.”

Whitson, fearful that the booing would continue, said he still was hoping to be traded. Piniella maintained that Whitson would not be traded.