New York Yankees Bomber Buzz 8/2/17: Six-Man Rotation? Cashman: Yes, Girardi: No
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 16: (L-R) Manager Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees talk during batting practice against the Detroit Tigers during game three of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 16, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

With the new additions to the pitching staff; the New York Yankees will go with a six-man rotation, at least for this week.

As the New York Yankees get over their disappointing loss last night and focus on winning the series against Detroit this afternoon, the two newbies to the rotation are making headlines and have yet to throw a pitch for their new club.

Jaime Garcia and Sonny Gray officially joined up with the Yankees yesterday. Upon their arrival; it was announced that Gray would take the ball Thursday night at Progressive Field in the opening contest of a four-game series with the Cleveland Indians, while Garcia will get the nod on Friday for the second game.

With CC Sabathia having thrown last night, Masahiro Tanaka going today, Jordan Montgomery slated for Saturday and Luis Severino on Sunday, the Yankees are going with a six man rotation.

In his pregame interview prior to last night’s contest, manager Joe Girardi reaffirmed how he believes that a six-man rotation over the course of a season just does not work. Girardi added that having six starters would only allow for six men in the bullpen, which he felt is not enough in the event of a short outing by one of the aforementioned starters.

Jokingly, Girardi remarked that his attempts to contact commissioner Rob Manfred to inquire as to adding a 26th roster spot remain fruitless.

According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, general manager Brian Cashman said that the six man rotation is what they are going with “until the dust settles”.

Cashman also said that one of the main reasons they acquired a guy like Garcia is because of the impending innings restrictions that Montgomery will be facing very soon.

Similar to how David Price was used in Tampa Bay’s 2008 playoff run, we could see Montgomery put in the pen as the second lefty to go along with closer Aroldis Chapman.

Either way, the utilization of that sixth man will give the rotation a much-needed respite this week and opens the door for a smooth transition into the “JoMo Rules”.

In related news, Garcia has elected to wear No. 34, while Sonny Gray chose No. 55. All you Hideki Matsui and Brian McCann fans out there, you may begin your griping.

Nesting Bird May Be Ready to Fly Again Soon

Injured first baseman Greg Bird has been recovering exceptionally well from recent ankle surgery and there’s a chance he could return to action before the end of August.

“It’s hard to predict with this kind of injury because it’s unusual,” Cashman told the New York Post‘s Dan Martin. “But he’s progressing.”

As pleasantly surprised as Yankee fans will be to learn of Bird’s speedy recovery, it only pales in comparison to how impactful a healthy Bird could be to the Yankees stretch run. Keep up the good work, GB.

That’s all from Yankee Universe for now. For any and all other Yankees news, information and updates, stay locked in right here at Elite Sports NY.

After losing my eyesight as a result of a brain tumor in 1996, baseball and music ushered me back to reality and led me to who I am today. I turned my love of the game and for my New York Yankees into writing for the best company in sports: Elite Sports NY. i use my Psychology & Music degree from James Madison University to articulate my thoughts in my writing and use my vocal/piano skills to professionally play music in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.