The New York Yankees have a beautiful problem brewing

New York Yankees, Domingo german
Mar 10, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German (55) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no better problem in baseball than not knowing who will fill a starting spot in your pitching rotation because there are too many good options to choose from. Luckily, the New York Yankees are looking this problem in the face, as both Deivi Garcia and Domingo German have dominated in spring training thus far.

Both starters desperately want the fifth spot in the rotation, presenting an issue the Yankees haven’t experienced in quite some time. The starting rotation has been a major problem in recent years, especially with injuries arising and whatnot.

However, German is returning from an 81 game suspension due to a domestic violence case, and he isn’t letting his second opportunity go to waste. The last time he featured was in 2019 when he pitched 143 innings and earned 18 wins. He logged a 4.03 ERA showing that he could be an integral part of the rotation moving forward but missing all of 2020 surely stunted his development. Alas, it doesn’t seem as if German has missed a beat, hosting a 0.00 ERA over two appearances this spring. He also has seven strikeouts to show over 5.0 innings, allowing just two hits.

The Yankees have enough youngster pushing the folder:

On the other hand, Garcia is coming off his first action in the MLB last season. Over six games and 34.1 innings, he earned a 4.98 ERA. At just 21 years old, the Yankees have high hopes for Garcia and took him off the trade block, despite the fact the teams were calling to inquire about his services. Utilizing a nasty curveball and fastball that touches 92.3 mph, he has incredible potential, and I expect him to play a considerable amount this upcoming year.

Over two appearances the spring, Garcia has a 3.60 ERA, allowed two runs and four hits over 5.0 innings. He hasn’t been as efficient as German, but his last outing showed he’s capable of pitching at a high level. Against the Detroit Tigers, he struck out five batters over a 3.0 inning sample size. This position battle is becoming extremely intriguing, and the Yankees are lucky to have two players who are pushing each other to improve.