The New York Yankees learned quickly what life without Michael King is going to be like unless they make a move at the trade deadline. On Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles, manager Aaron Boone injected Shane Greene into the game to help keep the two teams tied at three apiece.
In Greene’s first action of the season, he gave up one hit and two earned runs, courtesy of a Ramon Urias homer. The Yankees were unable to fend off Baltimore, despite Gerrit Cole, the team’s Ace, getting the start.
However, Boone is expecting reinforcements on Sunday with rookie relief pitcher Ron Marinaccio being activated from Somerset after a rehabilitation appearance on Friday.
Per the Yankees:
• Returned from rehab and reinstated RHP Ron Marinaccio (#97) from the 15-day injured list.
• Designated RHP Shane Greene for assignment.
Marinaccio has been phenomenal this season, recording a 2.33 ERA over 19.1 innings. He hosts a 10.71 strikeouts per nine rate, 77.3% left on base rate, and 40.5% ground ball rate. Despite a tumultuous start to his rookie campaign, he hasn’t given up a homer this season.
In April, Marinaccio posted an 11.25 ERA, giving up five earned runs and six hits over 4.0 innings. However, he has since gone 15.1 innings without giving up a run and just one hit. He struck out 17 batters in that timeframe, showcasing fantastic stuff.
- Yankees get huge blast from soaring superstar and collect 5-3 win over Rays
- Yankees’ veteran infielder has rehab assignment delayed after MRI revealed lack of healing
- Yankees place hard-throwing reliever on 15-day IL with hip injury
The 27-year-old features a 4-seam fastball, change-up, and slider. Opposing hitters are hitting just .136 against his fastball with an 18.8% WHIFF rate. However, his change-up is by far his best pitch, utilizing it at 35%. Hitters are batting .037 against his change-up with a phenomenal 46.9% WHIFF rate and 31.6% put-away percentage.
With King suffering a season-ending injury, the Yankees are going to need the best version of Marinaccio moving forward. He will need to be the primary setup man for Clay Holmes toward the end of games, along with Wandy Peralta. However, that doesn’t disregard the obvious reality that general manager Brian Cashman needs to make a move to help his bullpen out.