Domingo German is integral to the New York Yankees’ pitching success, but off-the-field issues have removed him from the equation.
Breakout starting pitcher Domingo German was all set to play a major role in a New York Yankees playoff run. However, trouble in the 27-year-old’s home have rendered him irrelevant, per ESPN’s Buster Olney:
Domingo German’s case is not fully resolved administratively, but he will not pitch in an MLB game again this year, regular season or postseason.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) September 20, 2019
German is the subject of an MLB investigation triggered by an alleged act of domestic violence perpetrated by the righty against his girlfriend on Monday. He’s currently on administrative leave, pending the results of MLB’s digging.
Details of the incident are sparse; however, it seems to have occurred following an appearance by German and his girlfriend at a CC Sabathia charity gala.
Depending on what MLB uncovers, German could face a suspension that extends beyond this year and into 2020.
Finishing up a breakout season, German topped the Yankees with 18 wins. Among Bombers starters, his 4.03 ERA was second to only the late-surging James Paxton’s 3.88 mark.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone appeared to be leaning toward using German in conjunction with an opener or another starter in the postseason. But that plan is no longer feasible.
It’s possible that Sabathia, with his much higher 4.99 ERA, replaces German in that role.
Fortunately for Yankees fans, Luis Severino is now a factor as well. The ace’s spring training injury is what gave German a chance to shine in first place.
Now the situation is reversed, with Sevy needing to step up and get into midseason form in time to replace German.
