The injuries to Luis Severino and James Paxton have dampened the mood for the New York Yankees fan-base, and rightfully so, as losing your No. 2-3 starters for any amount of time can be detrimental.
However, the Yankees are versed in the reality of injures and have prepared accordingly. Retaining J.A. Happ was part of the master plan to supplement any concerns, and the concerns continue to mount ahead of the March 26 Opening Day matchup against the Baltimore Orioles.
Adding Gerrit Cole as the team’s bonafide ace is now looking more significant with every passing day, and his performance this spring has been right on track with our exaptations.
The New York Yankees can remain confident in the rotation:
The No. 4 arm in the rotation, Jordan Montgomery, who’s coming off Tommy John surgery, has been stellar this Grapefruit League season, posting four strikeouts in two innings against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. His 0.00 ERA has proven to manager Aaron Boone that he can be a regular starter moving forward, a massive sign of relief for the Yanks and their managerial staff.
“He has good stuff, he battles out there and attacks the strike zone,’’ an NL scout said of Montgomery, as per the NY Post. “Pre-surgery he and King had the best command. They throw a lot of strikes.’’
A few weeks ago Boone was already high on Jordan’s return and what he brings to the mound:
“I think he has proven himself at this level. For him to get back last year was big, just for his frame of mind,’’ Boone said. “The fact he was able to make it back and get some work done, get into some games, I think was big for him and his mindset moving forward.’’
We mustn’t forget about Domingo German either, who will return at some point, likely after Paxton, who’s projected to make a May return. Montgomery, though, seems to be capable of holding down the fort in the meantime, and the 5th spot will be a rotational bevy consisting of Michael King, Jonatha Holder, and Jonathan Loaisiga.