As the regular season wears on for the New York Yankees, their deficiencies are starting to take full form which will give us an idea of what they need to compensate for during the postseason.
The starting pitching rotation seems to be the Achilles’ heel for the Bombers this season, as veteran CC Sabathia won’t be able to handle a full workload come the playoffs. Ace Luis Severino is not guaranteed to return to his previous form, and the remainder of the pitchers are either inconsistent or inexperienced. At this point, Domingo German seems to be their top option, but his lack of playoff experience will limit his efficiency and usage.
Even the bullpen seems to be struggling as the Yankees have been dipping into their relief options earlier in games with starters unable to go more than five innings. Most recently, they split a series with the Cleveland Indians but still retained the best record in baseball at 83-43. With a .659 winning percentage and 9.5 games atop the second-place team in the AL East, they are in good shape to earn home-field advantage for the playoffs.
However, they will need reinforcements heading into the latter part of the season, which is where minor-league prospect, Deivi Garcia comes into play.
Although the 20-year-old hasn’t been added to the 40-man roster, the Yankees have until 11:59 PM on August 31 to do so. Garcia was a hot commodity before the trade deadline, and most teams were inquiring about his availability.
General manager Brian Cashman was unwilling to part ways with the Yankees number one prospect. Garcia has been struggling this year due to the change in grips on the amended baseball, but he most recently tossed five scoreless innings, allowing no hits and recording seven strikeouts.
“I’m confident that I could do it,†Garcia said.