The New York Yankees announced their postseason rotation Thursday per Aaron Boone in a press conference.
Game one will be given to James Paxton, followed by Masahiro Tanaka, and then Luis Severino will be taking the mound for game three. If needed, a game four will most likely be a bullpen game featuring an opener.
There have been many questions surrounding the Yankees’ rotation with concerns of: is this enough?
The Yankee postseason rotation that they have announced is exactly what it should be. Paxton, Tanaka, and Severino are all guys that have shown they can “clutch up” in the moment.
There’s a concern on Paxton because he hasn’t thrown a single pitch in an MLB postseason, primarily because he wasn’t on a team that was playoff contenders until he joined the Yankees. Even though he doesn’t have that experience, Paxton has shown he has the stuff to take down any lineup.
“I’m excited,” said Paxton. “It’s gonna be awesome, I’m really honored to get this opportunity, to pitch game on. It’s gonna be great.”
Paxton also gives his teammates confidence. “He’s the best left-handed pitcher in the game, in my opinion,” said Aaron Judge. “He’s an animal out there. That’s what he’s shown the past couple starts… that’s what’s going to help us going into the playoffs.”
Tanaka is known for his dominant performances in October where he’s credited to a 1.50 ERA in his four career playoff series. He seems to flip a switch come playoff time.
Boone has confidence in his go-to guy Tanaka. “If he’s throwing the ball the way he’s capable of and on top of his game, we feel like he’s a good matchup anywhere.”
The bullpen is also highly capable of giving the New York Yankees a strong game. The opener strategy had been predominately effective during the regular season and can really keep opposing lineups on their heels.