With Masahiro Tanaka set to make his return to the big leagues on Wednesday, the Yankees had to make a move within the rotation in order to open up a spot for their ace.
Unfortunately for Chris Capuano, he was the odd man out for now.
Girardi makes it official: Chris Capuano is going to the bullpen, Adam Warren is staying in the rotation.
— Daniel Barbarisi (@DanBarbarisi) June 1, 2015
Manager Joe Girardi told reporters a few days ago that the team would not go to a six-man rotation to accommodate the return of Tanaka. To open up a roster space for Tanaka, it appears as if one of the other left-handed relievers on the roster (Jacob Lindgren, Chasen Shreve, or Justin Wilson) will be optioned to the minor leagues.
When the discussion of who was to be removed from the rotation began, it appeared as if Capuano and Adam Warren were battling for the final rotation spot. The decision to keep Warren in the rotation turned out to be a rather easy decision, as Warren has out pitched Capuano as of late.
Warren has been pitching well of late, going at least seven innings in each of his last four starts. Although he is 3-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 10 starts, Warren has proven to the team that he deserves a slot in the rotation.
Since his return from injury, Capuano has struggled in his three starts this season. The left-hander is 0-3 with a 6.39 ERA, and has been very shaky in those starts . The 36-year-old will now move into the bullpen, where he most likely will serve as a long reliever for the team.
