New York Yankees: Candidates for fifth starter role

The New York Yankees have a large hole in the rotation. Let’s look at the potential candidates for the fifth starter spot.

Just a few days ago, the New York Yankees rotation appeared to be an area of strength. Gerrit Cole had been signed to a seven year deal, adding another bona fide ace alongside Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka. James Paxton made for an incredible fourth starter. While Domingo German was suspended for the start of the season, J.A. Happ remained the subject of trade rumors, a testament to the depth that the Yankees had in their rotation.

Now, the rotation is somewhat unsettled. Paxton underwent back surgery on Wednesday and is set to miss three to four weeks, leaving another opening behind the Yankees Big Three. Happ is presumably off the trade block at this point, needed to fill in as the fourth starter. Unless, of course, the Yankees find a reasonable offer for the lefty.

However, the Yankees have plenty of options available for that fifth starter role. While they may not be the most exciting of pitchers, aside from top prospect Deivi Garcia, there is plenty of depth in New York. For a two or three month stint, the Yankees could certainly do much worse.

Which pitchers will be vying for the New York Yankees fifth starter role? Let’s take a closer look.