MLB analyst believes Domingo Germán is the answer to Yankees' pitching woes: "They are leaning Germán as the fifth starter"
The New York Yankees will likely put Domingo Germán on the Opening Day roster. The team was hit with an "injury bug" early this season. They have four pitchers on the IL with Opening Day right around the corner.
Relievers Lou Trivino and Tommy Kahnle won't make the Opening Day roster. They will also be without starters Frankie Montas and Carlos Rodon. Montas is hoping for a second-half return after having shoulder surgery in February. Rodon is dealing with a forearm strain that has shut down his throwing.
The Yankees are hoping Domingo Germán can be a constant in the pitching rotation https://t.co/xsoyUgLUVB
Germán was likely a member of the Opening Day staff after the Montas news, but with Rodon down as well, this almost solidifies it. Last season, he made 14 starts, compiling a 2-5 record with a 3.61 ERA and 58 strikeouts.
He's been battling prospect Clarke Schmidt for a rotation spot. Germán is out of options, and Schmidt has one more left. The New York Yankees and Domingo Germán agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million deal over the winter to avoid arbitration.
He's pitched in three games in Spring Training, throwing 7.2 innings in total. He's 1-0 with 10 strikeouts and a 0.78 WHIP.
Domingo German doing fun stuff https://t.co/jEwdyt4tHF
Germán relied on three pitches last season: fastball, curveball, and changeup. He's one of the few starting pitchers who only has a three pitch-mix. While it's rare, it is doable. Look at the success Spencer Strider had with the Atlanta Braves last season. He primarily only used two pitches.
Even with the injuries, the New York Yankees will have a solid rotation
Before all of the injuries, the New York Yankees were thought to have one of the better rotations in the league. The rotation definitely takes a hit with Rodon and Montas out, but they're still capable.
The team still has ace Gerrit Cole healthy. Cole went 13-8 in 33 games started. He compiled a 3.50 ERA while striking out a league-leading 257 batters.
Behind Cole is Nestor Cortes Jr., who opted out of playing in the World Baseball Classic to get healthy for the MLB season. He had a fantastic season last year, going 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA and 163 strikeouts.
They'll also get quality starts from Luis Severino. Severino went 7-3 last season, posting a 3.18 ERA in 19 games started. While he's not a big name, he's a quality middle-of-the-road starter.
While the injuries hurt, the Yankees should be able to manage on the pitching front.