The New York Yankees rotation has suddenly gone from a question mark to a potential strength.
While Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes were pretty well locked in, the rest of the rotation was a gamble. Luis Severino, Domingo German, and Frankie Montas were question marks due to injury issues and ineffectiveness, putting the Yankees hopes in 2023 in question.
New York Yankees have decision to make for fifth starter
That changed with the signing of Carlos Rodon. He will likely slot between Cole and Cortes, giving the Yankees a formidable trio atop their rotation. Severino is likely to be penciled in as the fourth starter. This leaves German and Montas to battle for the fifth starter role.
German was solid when he returned from injury for the Yankees, posting a 3.61 ERA and a 1.161 WHiP in his 72.1 innings, striking out 58 batters with 19 walks. While he did allow 11 homers, German appeared to be close to form after ballting shoulder woes.
Montas also battled shoulder woes which likely led to his struggles with the Yankees. While his overall numbers were decent, as he posted a 4.05 ERA and a 1.247 WHiP with 142 strikeouts and 43 walks in his 144.1 innings between the A’s and Yankees, he struggled during his time in New York.
Nonetheless, Montas likely has the inside track at the fifth starter role. The Yankees gave up a significant amount to bring him on board, hoping to have a solid piece to the rotation into 2023 as well. Likewise, German does have experience coming out of the bullpen, with 22 of his 92 appearances coming as a reliever.
But that is all subject to change. If Montas implodes once more, or if injuries rear their heads, German will be back in the rotation. He is likely to get his chances in the rotation as the season goes on, providing enviable depth for a rotation that has suddenly improved.
The New York Yankees are going to have a tough competition for their fifth starter spot. Frankie Montas and Domingo German are set to battle it out.