Jun 17, 2009 3:04 PM EST

Chien-Ming Wang will start against the Nationals on Wednesday night in what Yankees general manager Brian Cashman called "an important start."

If Wang doesn't perform, New York is expected to replace him in the rotation with Phil Hughes.

Wang, who's wife had their first child on Tuesday, is 0-4 with a 14.34 ERA this season.

"I expect another big day from him," manager Joe Girardi said. "Might as well have two in a row."

Via New York Post