Several weeks ago, New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German took to Instagram to announce his retirement. The very next day, he apologized for a cryptic message but ultimately didn’t represent what he was trying to say. He took back his initial comments and admitted his desire to play baseball and return to the MLB. However, for a split second, Yankee fans were concerned and confused.
German was suspended for 81 games after a domestic violence case that stemmed from a public setting.
German missed the remainder of the 2019 campaign after he was punished by the league. He missed the postseason, which the Yankees could have utilized him heavily in. Their starting pitching faltered at certain points, and the Bombers evidently fell to the Houston Astros in the ALCS, thanks to their cheating ways.
Fast forward to 2020, and German still had 63 games remaining on his suspension. As of August 10, German must sit for 48 more contests before reinstatement. That would theoretically allow him to pitch in the postseason.
Bryan Hoch of MLB.com stated:
Theoretically, yes. Major League Baseball has confirmed that Domingo Germán would be eligible to pitch in the 2020 postseason since he was suspended during the 2019 postseason. Realistically, it’s unlikely that the Yankees would use him. You’d be asking Germán to go more than a full year without facing any high-level competition, then activating him for the most important games of the year. It’s probably best if Germán prepares for next spring.