Perhaps the All-Star break layoff did not have a negative effect on Twins starter Kyle Gibson. But he certainly hasn't pitched well since his return.
Gibson experienced his second straight poor performance Sunday against the visiting Yankees. He yielded six runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings in lowering his record to 8-8 and raising his ERA to 3.48, its highest point since May 1. He walked two and fanned four.
The right-hander blanked New York through four before surrendering a solo home run to Chase Headley in the fifth. That signaled disaster as he was greeted by two walks, three singles and three runs to begin the sixth. Two more runs scored after he was removed.
Gibson has given up 12 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings covering his last two starts.