New York Yankees: Two Domingos can play a role this year

While the New York Yankees already have a set rotation, injuries are unavoidable. When injuries occur, two relatively unknown prospects may step in.

Most baseball clubs possess one or two young prospect pitchers with potential to become future aces. The New York Yankees happen to have a handful of guys that fit in that category.

A majority of them could see time in the big leagues this season, but essentially just one receives recognition – Chance Adams. Nevertheless, both Domingo German and Domingo Acevedo have the stuff to be just as good.

At this point, New York has its starting rotation set for 2018. The only way any prospect will earn a promotion early in the year is as a result of an injury. Even if they perform well in Triple-A, the front office will likely wait.

However, if Adams isn’t ready for the Bronx, the Yankees shouldn’t have to resort to guys like Luis Cessa to log innings on the mound. Sure, manager Aaron Boone can utilize the bullpen more, but the relief corps must stay in shape for the entire campaign.

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German seems poised to play a role immediately, as he’s spent more time than most others in Triple-A. Scouts project him to be a reliever, yet he deserves at least one shot to make a lasting impression.

The 25-year-old’s swing-and-miss stuff separates him from other pitchers on the Scranton roster. He whiffed more than 80 hitters in 76 1/3 innings and allowed a .210 average. However, his shoddy control might be his downfall, even though he didn’t yield too many walks last year.

Acevedo is in a similar situation as Adams. The Yankees don’t have room for the lanky 6-foot-7 prospect. But if he continues to throw 100 mph-plus, a spot could open up for him sooner rather than later.

Like Adams, most of Acevedo’s innings came in Double-A. His small sample in Triple-A wasn’t outstanding, but it also wasn’t concerning for the most part. His strikeout numbers are similar when compared to German’s.

An issue that surrounds both pitchers is their durability. German already underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, which is a red flag in itself. Acevedo’s health timeline isn’t promising either, as he suffered several injuries since his debut in 2014.

The idea to promote them could have some backlash, especially if they remain susceptible to injuries – minor or major. But there is also the possibility that Domingo and Domingo – that sounds like a law firm – can fare well in the bullpen.

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They’re both relatively young, and they have talent. Even if the Yankees deal them for different prospects in return, they will have a role in the organization.

And until someone in the bigs gets hurt or traded, both can continue to improve their mechanics and consistency before they earn their shots in the show.