More struggles for Wang in return for Yankees

Taiwan pitcher Chien-Ming Wang surrendered five runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings Thursday in his return to the New York Yankees' starting lineup as the Yankees defeated Texas 8-6.

Wang began the Major League Baseball season 0-3 with a horrific 34.50 earned-run average in three appearances before being placed on the injured list with a hip muscle problem.

After a solid showing in relief efforts, Wang was returned to the starting lineup Thursday but still had trouble fooling batters with his sinker-ball even though the Yankees rallied from a 5-1 deficit for the victory.

"I thought he pitched better than his numbers indicated," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I'm not making excuses. I was happy with what I saw. I know people are going to say, 'Oh boy he gave up five runs.'"

Wang exited after giving up a home run to Nelson Cruz, the first homer off Wang by a right-handed hitter in 22 starts dating to Adrian Beltre in September of 2007.

The showing will not keep Wang from making his next start Tuesday at Boston.