The Yankees’ starting pitching news we’ve so desperately needed

New York Yankees, Gerrit Cole, James Paxton
New York Yankees, Gerrit Cole, James Paxton

Injuries here, injuries there, can someone get these out of our hair! That should be New York Yankees‘ strength and conditioning coach, Eric Cressey’s mantra every morning.

The Yankees have been dealing with individual injuries across-the-board, not just in the starting pitching rotation. Whether it be Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, or any other positional player, limiting these issues is essential heading into the regular season.

When players are getting injured before regular play, it is extremely concerning. Their durability might be compromised due to the lack of reps the past few months, and with a 60-game condensed schedule fit into 65 days, limiting fatigue will be a problem.

However, the New York Yankees are slowly getting back some of their star pitchers. Both James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka are expected to be ready with the Yankees returning to action in just one week. Paxton pitched in an intrasquad exhibition game Wednesday evening, giving up back to back home runs to Judge and Stanton. The unfortunate inning can be coughed up to lack of activity, as he has been slowly rehabilitating from having a cyst removed from his lower back several months ago.

Despite the deficient performance, manager Aaron Boone has already named Paxton their number two starter, behind Gerrit Cole.

Here’s a look at the New York Yankees’ starting pitching rotation for the 2020 season:

1.) Gerrit Cole

2.) James Paxton

3.) Masahiro Tanaka

4.) Jordan Montgomery

5.) J.A. Happ

Aside from the five players listed, the Yankees also have a bevy of relief options and starters. They could utilize Clarke Schmidt or Deivi García if need be, but relying more on their trusted players is a priority. With the roster being expanded from 26 to 30 players, the Yankees still have a few more days to iron out their active roster. I imagine it will be heavily composed of relief options, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Yankees utilize an opener throughout the season.

García dominated his opportunity to open an intrasquad game last week. They also have Chad Green available, similar to their 2019 plan. For pitchers like Paxton, who struggled in the first inning, it could be useful do utilize an option like Green or García.

However, the younger of the two is still experimental, and these recent reps against Yankee players gives him essential experience provided the lack of a minor-league season this year.

Nonetheless, the news that we’ve been waiting for is simply based on the progression of health. Of course, the Yankees don’t have Luis Severino after he underwent Tommy John surgery this off-season. The readiness of Paxton and Tanaka should serve the Yankees well, but getting as many reps as possible before Opening Day is essential.