One of the major themes of the 2017 spring training has been the open competition for the fourth and fifth spots in the starting rotation. As many as 6 names have been floated around as contenders for the spots. Luis Severino, Luis Cessa, Bryan Mitchell, Chad Green, Adam Warren, and even Jordan Montgomery have emerged as candidates for the back end of the Yankees rotation.
With the first three starts of the season being confirmed by Manager Joe Girardi, with Tanaka, Sabathia and Pineda – in that order, set to take on the Rays in Tampa, the fourth and fifth starters are still yet to be confirmed. Wednesday afternoon, Girardi finally made further comment on the situation, but hardly provided any definitive answers regarding the Yankees plans for the rotation:
Joe Girardi confirms that the Yankees will not name a fifth starter. They will carry eight relievers until April 16.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 29, 2017
With Adam Warren being relegated to the bullpen, and Luis Cess being sent down to Minor League camp, that leaves Sevy, Mitchell, Green, and Montgomery left contending for the final spots. While Montgomery has made a late push, the overwhelming consensus has been that the Yankees want former top prospect Luis Severino to win that fourth spot. While they have not confirmed where Sevy will pitch, Girardi has confirmed that he will be a starter, just not at which level.
Girardi: Luis Severino will not begin the season in the bullpen. “We have an idea of what we’re going to do with him for the most part.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 29, 2017
From Girardi’s comments it still remains unclear which two guys will round out the backend of the rotation, but the Yank’s will not name a fifth starter at this time and will officially carry 8 relievers until April 16th.
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