New York Yankees to start a pair of rookies in Sunday doubleheader

New York Yankees, Deivi Garcia
Feb 28, 2020; North Port, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Deivi Garcia (83) pitching against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are looking to sweep a Sunday doubleheader to turn their bad fortunes around and win a five game series against their crosstown neighbors. However, they will be trying to do so with a pair of rookie hurlers starting both games.

Michael King will get the ball for game one of the twin-bill against the Mets, his fifth major league appearance and second start. He will be facing former Red Sox Rick Porcello. In four appearances this year, King is 1-1 with a 6.59 ERA and a WHIP just over one.

Starting game two will be the young Deivi Garcia, making his major league debut. He was appointed as the “29th man” for the doubleheader, and was chosen due to the team playing a lot of games in a short period of time. The team needed someone to start a game, and they chose the rookie.

Garcia is just 21-years-old and has pitched just 11 AAA games. He was 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA with the Railriders last season. The Dominican born righty is the Yankees number three prospect and the #100 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB.com.

The Yankees need good starts out of these two young pitchers if they want a chance to win the American League East. The Tampa Bay Rays have quietly extended their division lead up to four games and are playing really good baseball. They’ve won four in a row and eight out of their last 10.

However, the Yankees and the Rays meet for their final series in the regular season beginning on Monday in the Bronx. The Yankees will have their ace, Gerrit Cole, going in game one of the important three game set.