The New York Yankees are getting closer to the playoffs with every passing day, and their starting pitching rotation will need to be situated before the first round commences. Another stout outing from Luis Severino has given the Yankees hope in regards to the quality they will feature in the rotation moving forward.
Going five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and earning nine strikeouts, Severino gaining essential momentum.
“It’s really important for me to see him staying within his delivery,†Boone said, according to the NY Post. “I thought he did a great job of that his first time out. As well as having all of the electricity that we’re used to seeing with [Severino] on the mound, his fastball and his fastball command the last time out is something I was really impressed with.â€
The New York Yankees will face adversity:
The postseason has a lot of questions in store for the Bombers, especially when it comes to their pitching. If they can manage with a three-person rotation, Boone could look to feature Severino, James Paxton, and Masahiro Tanaka. However, it could be too much to ask of Seve, the Yankees ace.
He has only pitched nine innings this season and hasn’t gone over five innings.
With Domingo German facing severe domestic violence allegations, it’s unlikely he features during the postseason, which hurts the Yankees significantly. This will force Boone to rely on Paxton, one of the team’s better pitching options this season.
Paxton has earned a 3.73 ERA this season with 185 strikeouts, the second-most in his seven-year career. He will be a seasoned veteran in the playoffs and offers a steady arm that can be relied on. Tanaka, on the other hand, is a stellar postseason pitcher and will once again be featured in the rotation.
Tanaka has had a rough season, though, as he’s sitting on a 4.47 ERA, the second-highest in his career. Despite his woes, he is expected to elevate his game and produce beyond the regular season.
It’s also possible the Yankees utilize J.A. Happ in the rotation as a precaution for Severino, but I anticipate them relying on the three mentioned above.