New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi announced on Wednesday that he will not carry a fifth starter until April 16.
It had been speculated that the New York Yankees were going to take advantage of the off-day-heavy start to the 2017 season and Brian Hoch of MLB.com has reported that to be true.
According to Hoch, manager Joe Girardi has confirmed that he will not name a fifth starter and will employ eight relievers until April 16. While yes, it’s just a four-man rotation, there are enough off days to give each starter proper rest in between starts.
Instead of Luis Severino, Bryan Mitchell, Chad Green and Jordan Montgomery competing for two spots to break camp, that has now dwindled to one. If I had to guess right now, it would be Severino earning the fourth spot, but that can change over the next two days.
Montgomery, who has gone from long-shot to legitimate candidate, will start for New York on Wednesday against the Blue Jays in a start that could make a final impression in Girardi.
Severino, who has had obvious problems with fastball command this spring, will get his final nod on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies. A solid outing and he’s likely in, but a poor one could make things even more interesting than they already are.
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
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