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Yankees Still Not out of Options Even Though Paxton Lands on IL

By Manny Gómez|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: James Paxton #65 of the New York Yankees pitches during the sixth inning of the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on March 30, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: James Paxton #65 of the New York Yankees pitches during the sixth inning of the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on March 30, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Prior to Saturday’s matchup against the Minnesota Twins, the New York Yankees announced that LHP James Paxton would join other key players on the IL.

In Friday’s series opener between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees, LHP James Paxton was removed from the game after just 3 IP and 64 PT. Apparently, Paxton had been dealing with a knee issue all season and on Friday the excrement his the oscillator, so to speak.

Paxton doesn’t feel like the knee issue will keep him sidelined for long, however. According to Bryan Hoch who covers the Yankees for MLB, Paxton said,

"“It’s frustrating, but I’m not real worried that it’s going to be something long-term,” Paxton said. “I think it’s going to be a pretty quick fix. I’m looking forward to finding out what’s going on so we can treat it and move forward.”"

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On Saturday, the Yankees announced that Paxton, who’s been dealing of late, would be placed on the IL with left knee inflammation. In his place, the team recalled RHP Jake Barret from the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders.

When the Yankees acquired Paxton in a trade with the Seattle Mariners for top prospect Justus Sheffield, the team was looking to solve it’s starting pitching problem. Now, with Luis Severino and Paxton sidelined, the rotation is in disarray all over again.

Looking back, the Yankees really could use Gio Gonzalez right now, who opted out on April 20th and signed a 1-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. In 1 GS this season, Gonzalez looked decent, allowing 2 ER in 5-innings of work for the Brew Crew.

Thankfully, the New York Yankees found a diamond in the rough with Domingo German, who has been nothing short of excellent this season. Also, with Chad Green having somewhat of a resurgence in the minors as an Opener (2 GS, 5 IP, 0 ER, 11 Ks), the team isn’t completely out of options yet.

Or you can blow up the bank, exceed the luxury tax threshold and just sign Dallas Keuchel already!

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