Yankees rotation in a crisis, desperate for young arms to fill the void

Three frontline starters for the Yankees rotation this season are already out. The fourth one is struggling beyond expectations. The team’s hope of salvaging the season rests on young arms but only if they find suitable ones.

The Yankees manager Aaron Boone admits, “It creates opportunities for other guys….. There’s nothing we can do about it but continue to move forward.”

But the big question is if they can hold the season for the Yankees and recalibrate their battered and bruised rotation. In the meantime, a starting rotation that had the potential to be among the league’s finest at the start of spring training is now hanging by a thread, as the Yankees endeavor to reclaim a playoff position.

Yankees rotation deep in crisis

The Yankees’ pitching rotation has suffered significant blows beyond the contributions of Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt. Rodon’s early-season injuries kept him out of action for the initial three months. He returned but showcased inconsistency over six starts before landing on the IL again due to a hamstring strain.

Frankie Montas’ entire season has been marred by shoulder surgery in February, effectively ruling out his return for the year. Domingo German’s season has also reached its conclusion after he was placed on the restricted list last week for alcohol abuse treatment.

Just when Nestor Cortes was looking potent to salvage their season, his injury resurfaced. The probability is high that Nestor Cortes has delivered his last pitch for this season, dealing another significant setback to the Yankees’ pitching rotation. The left-handed pitcher found himself back on the injured list on Friday due to a left rotator cuff strain, the same ailment that sidelined him for a two-month period not too long ago.

Cortes is now facing a mandatory break from throwing for the next three to four weeks. With approximately eight weeks remaining in the season, his chances of making a timely return are slim. Losing Cortes, probably for the remainder of the season, constitutes a significant setback for a team that has grappled with consistent challenges in their starting rotation throughout the year. With only 46 games left, the Yankees are holding onto slim postseason hopes.

Luis Severino, who missed the initial seven weeks due to a lat strain, is currently in good health. However, his performance on the mound has been notably lackluster.

What are the options for the Yankees?

With the circumstances at hand, the Yankees are left with limited alternatives, necessitating the retention of Severino in the rotation. The absence of Rodon and Cortes due to injuries has led to the promotion of Randy Vasquez and Jhony Brito from Triple-A to fill the gap.

Boone commented that the situation opens up chances for other players. According to him, individuals like Brito and Vasquez have been given opportunities and have performed admirably. He emphasized that the team must focus on progressing despite the circumstances.

Looking forward to 2024, a significant opportunity arises for the Yankees organization to test two MLB-ready pitchers in live game situations, a prospect that many Yankees fans are already considering. This presents a chance to assess potential rotation additions for the upcoming spring season.

Both right-handed pitchers, Randy Vasquez and Jhony Brito, have now seamlessly transitioned into the starting rotation, filling the void left by Cortes and Carlos Rodon, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. It’s highly likely that they will continue to pitch every five days throughout the remainder of the current year. Upon Rodon’s return from the IL later this month, he is expected to replace Luis Severino.

This setup grants the two Triple-A pitchers approximately two months to showcase their abilities, particularly in crucial games. The process commenced on Friday evening at loanDepot Park, with Vasquez delivering an impressive performance. He contributed 3 2/3 innings of two-run ball in relief of opener Ian Hamilton against the Marlins, ultimately securing the win as part of a 9-4 triumph over Miami.

According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Vasquez utilized his complete repertoire skillfully, showcasing a strong presence with his changeup and maintaining precision with the cutter, curveball, and sinker. Boone noted that Vásquez’s approach was unpredictable, allowing him to effectively control the strike zone and demonstrate aggressiveness with the lead.

The sole blemish in Vásquez’s notable relief performance was the second-deck home run hit by Josh Bell in the sixth inning. This occurred on a 2-0 changeup delivered down the middle, but Vásquez expressed contentment with the performance of that particular pitch during Friday’s game. Notably, he utilized this pitch the most, employing it 15 times out of his total of 58 pitches.

Vásquez expressed, with the assistance of the team’s interpreter, that each start presents a chance for him to enhance his understanding and comfort at this level. He conveyed confidence in his ability to contribute positively to the team, emphasizing his commitment to making a meaningful impact whenever he takes the mound.

In his four outings for the Yankees, the right-handed pitcher has maintained an impressive 1.89 ERA, allowing only four earned runs over a span of 19 innings. He has demonstrated dynamic skills and held his own against established major league batters, which bodes well for the organization’s 14th-ranked prospect, as indicated by MLB Pipeline.

Aaron Judge praised the efficiency and strong command of Vasquez’s pitches, noting that he approached the game with a fearless and aggressive mentality on the mound. Judge emphasized the importance of maintaining an attacking stance against hitters, particularly when the team held a lead.

Brito is slated to take the mound on Saturday, either as a starter or in relief following an opener. The right-hander had an extended stint in the rotation earlier this year before shuttling between the majors and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Over 57 1/3 innings with the big-league team, he has recorded a 5.02 ERA, demonstrating the ability to hold his own against MLB hitters on occasion.

The changed Yankees rotation

With no major trades or unforeseen circumstances, the Yankees have already secured the first four slots of their starting rotation for the upcoming season. Ace Gerrit Cole spearheads the rotation, followed by Rodon, Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt. Rodon and Cortes aim to maintain their health and showcase their All-Star potential, while Schmidt aims to build upon his breakout performance.

This leaves a single spot open, which could be filled either by promoting from within the organization or seeking an external addition. Although it’s in line with the Yankees’ approach to explore the free-agent market, they have been cautious about expanding their payroll. Moreover, their focus this offseason may lean toward bolstering their offense, provided the right opportunity arises.

Could Vasquez or Brito step into that remaining slot? Undoubtedly, it’s a viable possibility. A strong finish to the current season, coupled with offseason development, could position them favorably. Earning a spot in the starting rotation would mark a significant advancement in their MLB careers.

Other in-house options include Luis Gil, who is gradually recovering from Tommy John surgery, and prospects Will Warren and Clayton Beeter. While Warren and Beeter possess considerable potential, their transition to Triple-A this summer has proven challenging.

In the interim, those within the Yankees’ clubhouse exude confidence in both Brito and Vasquez. For those who remain hopeful for a successful season, these two pitchers are poised to play a pivotal role in the late-season push for a Wild Card berth.

Anthony Volpe expressed his unwavering support for his teammates, stating that he considers himself their biggest fan. He mentioned that he’s accustomed to witnessing their impressive performances, so nothing they achieve surprises him. Volpe, who also contributed a home run during the commanding victory, conveyed his excitement whenever he sees them on the field and firmly believes in their ability to make a meaningful impact.

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