The New York Yankees are on a three-game winning streak, following a five-game losing streak that ended with three consecutive losses against the Baltimore Orioles. However, the Yankees got their revenge on Friday, sweeping Baltimore and a doubleheader with Gerrit Cole and Masahiro Tanaka on the mound.
Luckily, their offense sparked and was able to push them to victory. A change in mentality and boost in confidence can do that for a team, and it seems as if that was all they needed to snap out of their funk.
During the cold streak, the Yankees watched one of their young starters emerge as a regular option in the rotation. Pitcher Deivi Garcia, who is only 21 years old and spent 2019 in the minor league systems, performed well while the rest of the team struggled.
In Garcia’s last start against the Toronto Blue Jays, he lasted seven innings and allowed just two runs. On the year, Garcia is currently hosting a 3.06 ERA with 18 strikeouts. His emergence for the Yankees has been a blessing in disguise, and his influence during the postseason could be massive.
The New York Yankees are open to activating Deivi Garcia in the playoffs:
Via a Zoom interview, Aaron Boone said Garcia is “certainly putting his name in the conversation” about the postseason. “We’ll see in the next 2-3 weeks where we are.”
“I know he wouldn’t flinch at the opportunity,” Boone said when asked if Garcia could handle a critical October start. “I’m totally confident in him. He can handle any situation you throw him in.”
At the trade deadline in August, GM Brian Cashman was fielding requests to trade Garcia, and some pretty notable names were included. However, electing to keep him instilled confidence in the youngster, who subsequently went on to provide three impressive starts.
With James Paxton still dealing with a forearm flexor strain, Garcia will be relied on moving forward. He may remain in the rotation during the postseason, and if he continues to pitch the way he has, there is no question Boone will need him active.
When the Bombers get back Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton next weekend, they will have a majority of their offensive weapons available. This will provide them with plenty of run support to help their young pitcher and the rest of the starting rotation. The team has been awful in almost every category, but they are headed in the right direction and will hopefully sneak into the playoffs after two consecutive wins against the Orioles on Friday.