The numbers with runners in scoring position are deplorable and five lineup regulars are hitting below .222. Looking at that math, it’s a wonder the Yankees lug a 5-6 record into Tuesday night’s game against the A’s at Yankee Stadium.
Yet, the biggest concern after 11 games is the same as it was when pitchers and catchers reported to Tampa in February: the starting rotation.
General manager Brian Cashman is correct when he pointed out there have been encouraging moments from four of the five starters and that Luis Severino has but 13 big league starts.
Still, Yankees starters rank last among the 15 AL rotations with 61 ²/₃ innings logged. That’s an average of 5 ²/₃ innings per game, which leaves a lot of outs to be gotten before manager Joe Girardi can turn it over to Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller. Masahiro Tanaka’s seven-inning outing Sunday against the Mariners was the longest of the season for the Yankees.
“Obviously there is room for improvement. We’re capable of having a quality staff if they stay healthy. I don’t think as a group we have pitched to our ability yet,’’ Cashman said Monday. “We’ll see more as we move forward.’’
The Yankees’ rotation has a 5.25 ERA, the highest in the AL.
Girardi subscribes to the belief starters gain strength in April and therefore they can eventually supply more distance as the season progresses.
That is a necessity for the Yankees, because even when Aroldis Chapman arrives off suspension May 9, Girardi can’t be going to Betances, Miller and Chapman every night. And while Johnny Barbato and Chasen Shreve have been very good after the starters and before Betances and Miller, increased length from the starters is a must.
So, too, is health. Even though there are warts such as Severino being 0-2 and having allowed 18 hits in 10 ²/₃ innings and Nathan Eovaldi giving up four homers in 11 ²/₃ frames, depth is a big concern with Bryan Mitchell out at least until August and possibly longer.
Ivan Nova is being looked at as a spot starter/long reliever and his first two bullpen stints have produced mixed reviews and have not instilled confidence he is ready to jump into the rotation if called on. Luis Cessa was sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to eventually be stretched out as a starter.
