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Breaking down the final rotation candidates for the New York Yankees

Sep 11, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Cessa (85) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The final two spots in the New York Yankees’ rotation will be decided among five contestants, but who has the edge? 

It’s time to gear our attention towards the final rotation battle for the New York Yankees, which will surely grab most of the recognition throughout Spring Training.

Behind the apparent locks in Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda, manager Joe Girardi and his staff must choose between five other candidates in order to fill the final two vacated spots.



While other youngsters may find their way into the picture, Luis Severino, Chad Green, Luis Cessa, Bryan Mitchell and Adam Warren have excellent chances at earning their way onto the Opening Day roster as a starter. 

Last year, the unit finished sixth in the American League in strikeouts, eighth in opponent’s batting average, tenth in ERA and walked the fewest batters.

Respectable given the concern it packs, but being the obvious weak link of this Yankees’ team, they’ll have to piece (or at least attempt) together a crew that can improve those rankings.

Without further adieu, ESNY breaks down each candidate and will even make a prediction of how we see this competition playing out.