Yankees’ pitching puzzle: Who is heading to playoff bullpen after latest win
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Follow UsThe Yankees’ 2-1 extra-inning win over the Red Sox on Thursday night offered a brief respite amid ongoing questions about their pitching rotation and playoff roles. Nestor Cortes, back in the starting lineup after a short stint in the bullpen, delivered a standout five-inning outing, striking out nine.
Manager Aaron Boone, still sorting through bullpen options, made a pivotal call by sending Clay Holmes to the mound in the 10th inning. Despite a mixed reaction from fans, Holmes needed just six pitches to shut down the Red Sox, stranding the ghost runner and sealing the Yankees’ second consecutive extra-innings victory.
Holmes, who has struggled with consistency and leads the majors in blown saves, acknowledged the significance of performing well in high-pressure moments at Yankee Stadium. His swift performance, retiring two batters without allowing a baserunner, quickly turned the boos into cheers as he walked off the mound.
Cortes, who had voiced frustration over his bullpen role earlier, appeared more at ease after his strong start, allowing only one run on three hits. His recent success, boasting a 4-0 record and a 1.85 ERA in his last six outings, has bolstered his case to remain in the starting rotation, even as the team weighs its postseason options.
After the game, Cortes reflected on his previous comments, admitting they might have come off as demanding. He emphasized his commitment to helping the Yankees win, regardless of his role, demonstrating a willingness to adapt for the team’s playoff push. As Boone and the Yankees finalize their pitching plans, Cortes’ flexibility and team-first mindset will be crucial assets in their postseason strategy.
Ahead of Thursday’s game, Yankees’ pitching coach Matt Blake discussed the challenges of managing the team’s pitching staff. This issue has become more pressing since Nestor Cortes, the Opening Day starter, was shifted to the bullpen last Saturday to make room for Clarke Schmidt’s return.
Blake described the situation as “convoluted,” emphasizing the complexity of adjusting both the rotation and bullpen. He highlighted the necessity of maintaining clear communication with players about their shifting roles and the rationale behind these decisions. Blake noted that players need to understand not only their current roles but also the reasons for these changes, as transitioning between different positions or innings requires significant mental adjustment.
The Yankees’ pitching coach revealed that decisions regarding player assignments are still in flux. Recent performances, including strong outings by Schmidt and Luis Gil against the Cubs, Cortes’ successful relief appearance, and Clay Holmes’ struggles as a closer, are impacting their evaluations.
Looking ahead, Blake stressed that the remaining 15 games of the season would be crucial in finalizing the pitching staff’s configuration. He confirmed that Gerrit Cole, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, will lead the rotation, likely followed by Carlos Rodon. For the third spot, Blake indicated that Schmidt currently has an edge over Gil, Cortes, and Marcus Stroman, though this could shift based on future performances.
“I’d say a convoluted situation,” Blake explained. “Where there’s moving parts in the rotation, there’s moving parts in the bullpen. There’s evolving roles, and we just need to be clear with our communication with the guys. Because as much as we can say the best role is this, they need to understand why that’s the best role and where they’re going to end up. To understand the mental aspect of changing roles, and different innings or different situations.”
Manager Aaron Boone discussed the ongoing adjustments to the Yankees’ pitching staff as the postseason approaches. He emphasized that the team’s performance over the next two weeks will be crucial in finalizing the pitching assignments.
Boone confirmed that the current six-man rotation would be trimmed to five and eventually to four for the playoffs. He indicated that some pitchers might be utilized in multiple roles, underlining the team’s objective to make strategic decisions that maximize player effectiveness.
The Yankees manager praised Clarke Schmidt’s strong performance prior to his injury and his recent return, highlighting his potential value as both a starter and reliever. Schmidt’s case illustrates the complex decisions the team faces as they balance his recovery with his proven ability on the mound.
Luis Gil was also mentioned as a pitcher who could fill either a starting or relief role. Despite facing some challenges mid-season, Gil’s overall performance and strikeout ability make him a viable candidate for both roles.
The manager expressed concern about the bullpen’s consistency, suggesting that enhancements might be necessary. He pointed out that pitchers like Schmidt and Gil could offer valuable multi-inning or high-intensity relief options. Boone described the current scenario as a “good problem” due to the array of talented pitchers available. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of making these decisions, which involves managing player expectations and facilitating transitions into new roles.
Boone framed this period as a semi-audition for various pitching positions, with the team closely monitoring each pitcher’s performance to shape their postseason strategy. He stressed the importance of making decisions that will best position the team for success in the playoffs.
“I feel like we have a lot of good choices, and a lot of people that are very much in conversation for different roles,’’ he said. “(It’s) a good problem to have.”
Marcus Stroman in Yankees rotation?
Marcus Stroman‘s role in the Yankees’ postseason pitching staff remains under evaluation. With a background predominantly as a starter and only two relief appearances since 2015—both last September with the Chicago Cubs during his recovery from right hip inflammation—Stroman is seen as more suited for the rotation.
Stroman’s pitching relies on sinkers, cutters, and sliders, rather than high-velocity pitches, which might not meet the Yankees’ bullpen needs for strikeouts. This could limit his effectiveness in a relief role.
The Yankees’ current depth in their rotation could place Stroman lower on the depth chart, possibly as a sixth starter in a five-man rotation. This situation raises concerns about his potential as a swingman and his ability to adapt to a flexible role in the postseason.
The team views the remaining regular-season games as a crucial period for assessing Stroman’s value. His performances will play a significant role in determining whether he will be included in the postseason rotation or if alternative uses for his skills will be explored.
Yankees management will closely evaluate Stroman’s effectiveness as a starter against the team’s overall pitching needs and the performance of other candidates. This evaluation period will be key in deciding Stroman’s postseason role.
Clarke Schmidt’s place remains tentative
Clarke Schmidt‘s place in the Yankees’ postseason pitching plans remains a key consideration as he prepares for his second start since returning from a lat strain. His upcoming outing against the Red Sox could be decisive in shaping his role.
Before his injury, Schmidt was in excellent form as a starter, boasting a 2.52 ERA over his first 11 starts of the season. This strong performance makes a compelling case for his continued presence in the rotation as he works to regain full stamina.
However, Schmidt’s flexibility and recent experience as a reliever add another dimension to his value. In 2022, Schmidt primarily pitched out of the bullpen, and his skill set suggests he could thrive in a multi-inning relief role similar to Michael King’s. There’s speculation that Schmidt’s pitches could be even more effective in shorter, high-intensity stints.
Schmidt’s fearless demeanor on the mound is another factor in favor of a bullpen assignment, potentially making him a valuable asset in high-stakes relief situations during the postseason.
Yankees management will carefully weigh Schmidt’s performances in his remaining starts, balancing the benefits of keeping him as a starter against the strategic advantage he might provide as a dynamic reliever. Schmidt’s own adaptability and response to various roles will likely influence the final decision on his postseason assignment.
Luis Gil looks well placed for playoff roster
Luis Gil‘s role in the Yankees’ postseason pitching staff remains under close scrutiny following his return from the injured list due to a back strain. His recent outings as a starter have been promising, bolstering his case to remain in the rotation.
Earlier in the season, Gil made significant contributions, notably stepping up during Gerrit Cole’s absence with an elbow nerve issue. His standout performances during that period even propelled him into the conversation for AL Rookie of the Year, highlighting his value as a starter.
However, there are factors that could justify a transition to the bullpen. Gil’s workload is a primary concern, as he has already exceeded his previous single-season innings total in what is his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. A bullpen role could help manage his innings while still capitalizing on his dynamic arm.
Additionally, Gil’s high-velocity fastball could become even more formidable in short bursts out of the bullpen, making him a potentially valuable weapon in high-leverage situations. This added impact could be strategically appealing as the Yankees weigh their postseason options.
Despite the potential advantages of a relief role, the consensus appears to favor keeping Gil in the starting rotation, given his consistent effectiveness. The decision may also hinge on the stability of the Yankees’ bullpen if relievers like Clay Holmes can solidify their roles, the need to shift Gil into unfamiliar territory could diminish.
Yankees management will continue to assess Gil’s performances in the final games of the regular season, considering his stamina, health, and the overall makeup of the pitching staff as they finalize their postseason roster.
Nestor Cortes may return to Yankees bullpen
Nestor Cortes’ role in the Yankees’ postseason pitching plans continues to be a point of debate, with compelling cases for both keeping him in the rotation and shifting him to the bullpen.
Cortes’ crafty pitching style and resilience have made him a reliable starter, underscored by his solid 3.11 ERA in 15 home starts this season. However, his adaptability, which has been a hallmark of his journey from journeyman to All-Star, also makes him a strong candidate for multiple pitching roles.
After his latest start, Cortes addressed his uncertain spot on the team. He spoke of his constant drive to prove his value, whether as a starter or reliever. While he had previously voiced frustration about moving out of the rotation, Cortes reiterated his readiness to pitch from the bullpen if that’s what the Yankees need in the postseason.
Yankees management is exploring the possibility of deploying Cortes in a hybrid swing role, capitalizing on his versatility to address varying needs during games. This approach could allow the Yankees to tap into Cortes’ strengths in both starting and relief appearances.
For now, the Yankees’ focus is squarely on securing the AL East title over the Baltimore Orioles, a critical goal that would allow them to avoid the wild-card round and preserve their top pitchers for deeper into the postseason.
While the Yankees have clinched a playoff spot, the configuration of their pitching staff remains in flux. Manager Aaron Boone and his staff face the ongoing challenge of optimizing their pitching strategy, a puzzle that will continue to evolve as October approaches. The team is working to ensure they make the best use of their arms when the playoffs begin.
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