The New York Yankees are heavily pursuing a pennant and may want to consider reviewing their starting pitching. The Yankees have been on a semi-decline, and some starters are becoming questionable.
The Yankees Starting Rotation Is Beginning To Raise Eyebrows
Without even stepping on the field, the Yankees entered the season with tons of projections and expectations. The lineup was war-ready, and the pitching improved greatly compared to last year. The hitting has taken off, led by the sluggers. The starting pitching was above satisfactory.
New York remains deep in the rotation, with bullpen options that can step in at any given point. However, if certain factors and issues in starting pitching are not addressed, this could have some serious effect.
The Yankees Starting Pitching Is Starting To Reveal Some Holes
The Yankees and the Orioles are back and forth in the American League East. Baltimore currently has a two-game lead on New York. If both teams keep pace, this race will undoubtedly come down to the final days of the season.
The Yankees had the lead in the east, then went on a roller coaster with some losses. They are currently on a three-game slide. The starting pitching has not been exactly sharp.
Gerrit Cole has returned to the rotation and is settling in. His last three starts were not exactly ideal. He gave up nine runs in 13 innings of work and walked six. Fortunately, this is not a worrisome performance.
Marcus Stroman’s last three starts haven’t been all that pretty, either. He’s gone 1-1 with a no-decision. He’s thrown 16 innings,. giving up 13 earned runs while walking seven. Despite the decline, this also isn’t a worry.
Right-hander Luis Gil seems to be the question at hand. The fifth man started the year incredibly dominant and deserved his role. Recently, he’s shown some real struggle and semi-instability to start games.
In Gil’s last three outings, he’s gone 0-3 with 9 and ⅔ innings pitched. He’s let up 16 earned runs with nine walks. Gil has not made it past the fourth inning in these starts.
Options For The Yankees To Patch These Holes And Remain Competitive
Ultimately, it’s not panic time yet in New York. There are options to fix this problem. The main option is to consider bringing back Nestor Cortes to the rotation and moving Luis Gil to the bullpen. In this case, you retain a good arm in the pen while bringing a southpaw to the rotation.
The other option is to use the trade deadline as your picking ground to add reinforcements. We know various teams may be sellers. Locally in the American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays may consider parting ways with southpaw Yusei Kikuchi and Chris Bassitt. Two well-decorated arms that have the taste of the American League.
Across the city is the New York Mets, which could hit the trade block if things dip further south. The Mets starting pitching include former Yankee Luis Severino and Sean Manaea, who may be moveable pieces.
The Washington Nationals will be ones to blow it up. Patrick Corbin has had a terrible season so far, but the southpaw could be a decent addition for cheap.
The Yankees may want to consider beefing up the starting pitching as the pennant race heats up. The options are out there if needed.
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