BlackAmericans.com

The Yankees sent Ian Kennedy back to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday and told him not to worry about winning.

Ian Kennedy allowed nine hits and five runs, and the Yankees fell to 63-53, six and a half games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.

Ian Kennedy will be back with the Yankees on Friday, ready to resume a season that started poorly by taking Joba Chamberlain’s place in the rotation.

Nearly two weeks after Ian Kennedy was put on the disabled list, the Yankees’ rotation may no longer have a place for him.

While Ian Kennedy will not be out long, it is not known where he will pitch when he returns, with Joba Chamberlain increasing his pitch count and Kennedy struggling.

Ian Kennedy gave up four runs in the second inning and then left the game with a slightly strained right lat muscle in a wild 11-inning loss to the Orioles.

Jorge Posada, who is on the disabled list, caught Ian Kennedy in the bullpen to get his legs reaccustomed to the feel of his demanding position on Sunday.

Saturday’s victory featured the sort of ensemble pitching that may tempt the team’s ownership, management, fans and news media followers to be patient with the staff.

Ian Kennedy is 0-2 with an 8.37 earned run average, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi acknowledge the pitcher could be sent to the minors.

The struggling Yankees couldn’t stop the Tigers, and also learned that an injury to high-touted prospect was worse than originally thought.