Irabu Will Make Debut in Class A

George Steinbrenner admits he has not seen Hideki Irabu throw a pitch. Starting in a few days, the New York Yankee owner will get his chance.

Irabu, who agreed to a $12.8-million, four-year contract on Thursday, will make his American pro debut next Friday night for Class-A Tampa and could be pitching for the Yankees before the All-Star break.

“I haven’t seen him pitch, haven’t seen him on videotape,” Steinbrenner said. “But I listened to various people who told me what he could do. This young man will be fine.”

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Home plate umpire Drew Coble was hit in the right arm by Milwaukee right-hander Cal Eldred’s second pitch of the game and had to leave the Brewers’ 5-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Milwaukee.