Yankees Injury Update: Domingo German ready to make an impact

May 20, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German (55) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are nearing the return of pitcher Domingo German, who has been working diligently to come back from a shoulder injury. German has now made five rehab starts in the minor-league system, with his most recent coming in Scranton with Triple-A.

German put together another stout performance, throwing four innings of no-run baseball. He allowed just one hit and struck out four batters over 53 total pitches.

“Feel really good. It was a good start, feel good physically,” Germán said Sunday, via Max Goodman of SI. “I feel ready to compete.”

The Yankees need German back in at the top level ASAP:

The Yankees could use his services immediately, especially with the starting rotation dealing with fatigue. Last year, German made 22 appearances, pitching 98.1 innings. He recorded a 4.58 ERA with a 42.2% ground ball rate and 70.1% left on base rate. He will be looking to increase his velocity a bit, but there’s no doubt he can leave a positive mark on the team down the stretch.

However, manager Aaron Boone wasn’t ready to detail exactly what his role will be, but after his latest successful performance, he’s only a few days away from being called up.

“That’s not a decision we’ll make for a couple more days at least because he’s not going to be ready to pitch for us for another three or four days anyway,” Boone said Sunday. “We’ll have those kind of internal conversations, see what makes the most sense, whether it’s one more or just bring him up now. But certainly another encouraging step for him, pitching as well as he did yesterday.”

German can provide reinforcements in multiple categories, whether it be as a sixth man in the starting rotation or as a bullpen piece.

“I’ve always been open to any role that the team needs at the time,” Germán explained. “I’ve been a starter, I’ve been in the bullpen. I’ve always had a really positive attitude towards pitching in any of those situations.”

The best thing about Domingo is that he’s capable of going multiple innings and building up a pitch count. That should help the Yankees when their starters struggle, but the longevity of his game can also provide even more rest for the bullpen.