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SEATTLE -- It might be a one-time event when right-hander Julio Mateo leaves his seat in the bullpen Tuesday night for his first start in nearly five years. And then again, a solid outing against the Yankees could lead to more starts down the road.

Either way, Mateo seems prepared for the unknown.

"I'll pitch the same way I pitch as a reliever, using the same three pitches, slider, splitter and fastball," Mateo said. "I'll just go out and do the best I can.

"I'm just here (starting) temporarily."

Mateo has had three days to prepare for his first start since 2000, when he started a game for Class A Wisconsin, his only start in 36 appearances that season. He has pitched in 206 games the past four-plus seasons, all in relief.
Mateo shouldnt be too worried about the start. I mean its only the Yanks, who are on a 9 game winning streak, at home vs Carl Pavano