TORONTO -- Joe Girardi was customarily circumspect before Sunday's game, and with Phil Hughes imploding after just four innings, it appeared his caution may have been justified.

But it turns out that David Phelps will start against the Texas Rangers in place of CC Sabathia on Monday after all.

"I'm looking forward to it a lot," said Phelps, who started two games in May and one in July. "Hopefully I'll go out there, learn from what I did last time and give us a chance to win. It's a huge series."

Asked about the adjustment of going from AAA starter to major-league reliever to emergency starter, Phelps said, "It's not too bad. It's the same thing over and over again; just going out and trying to get guys out, regardless of what your role may be."

Phelps has a 2-3 record and 2.42 ERA. He has made 19 relief appearances in addition to his three starts. It is expected he can give the Yankees 75-80 pitches on Monday, when he will face Ryan Dempster, newly acquired by the Rangers.