Yankees: With German out, who’s the team’s 5th starter

Last week, it was announced that New York Yankees SP Domingo German would miss the team’s first 63 games. Who then would the team use as the 5th starter?

Last season, the New York Yankees starting rotation received an unexpected boost from Domingo German. With an 18-4 record, Domingo led the team and the league with a .818 W-L%.

It was a pleasant surprise. Especially considering the devastating injuries dealt to starters Jordan Montgomery and Luis Severino.

In mid-September, however, German was placed on leave after allegations of domestic abuse were brought to light. Since then, he hasn’t picked up a ball.

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Last week, the results of an investigation revealed that MLB had suspended German for 81 games. He will, therefore, miss the first 63 games of the 2020 season.

Luckily, the Yankees happen to have good depth in their starting rotation. With the addition of Gerrit Cole, the team also has the aforementioned Severino and Montgomery to fall back on, as well as James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka and J.A. Happ.

That’s six viable starters more than capable of taking the ball every fifth day.

Now, we all know who the first four starters in the rotation are:

1. Cole
2. Paxton
3. Severino
4. Tanaka.

The question is, who will take the ball as the fifth starter?

The only two options are Montgomery or Happ. With rumors circulating that the team is looking to deal Happ in exchange for salary relief, the clear option is Montgomery.

In 35 starts prior to Tommy John Surgery, Monty posted a decent 3.84 ERA with a 1.248 WHIP. He presented as a gutsy lefty the likes of Andy Pettitte. Someone who wasn’t going to blow anyone away, but had the guile to take the ball when called upon and throw up quality start when necessary.

If all else fails, the team could give rising prospect Deivi Garcia a shot at the bigs. Drawing comparisons to Pedro Martinez, New York Yankees fans have been chomping at the bit to get a look at this kid.

Either way, the fifth spot in the rotation will be in good hands. And the options available presents the issue of who gets the ball in this position as a good problem.