NFL
By: Billy Lewis
The New York Yankees are getting set for the final homestand of the season, as they’ll host the Angels on Tuesday. Who will start the game for the Yankees? Luis Severino will make his season debut. Severino will join a trio of Yankee pitchers coming back from injury.
In Sunday’s loss to the Blue Jays, the Yankees saw the season debuts of both Jordan Montgomery and Dellin Betances. Montgomery went two innings, striking out two and gave up three runs. Montgomery was the Yankees second pitcher of the day, following Chad Green.
Betances followed Montgomery in the game, coming in, in the fourth inning. Betances had a successful return back, striking out the two batters he faced.
Yankees Homecoming
Severino getting the start Tuesday will mean he has a chance to make about three starts before the playoffs begin. With James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and JA Happ all pitching well lately, Severino is a great piece to get back. He should have time to get his pitch count up so come playoff time, he’ll be ready to go.
When the playoffs start, the Yankees should have many options when it comes to pitching. Betances returning from injury helps complete the bullpen, which is already a big strength. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bombers employ the opener tactic in the playoffs.
The opener tactic can be a great tool when October rolls in. They can have Green start multiple games, and have him piggybacked by Severino, Domingo German, or even C.C Sabathia. Pitching has felt like the Yankees biggest question mark all season but has a chance to be a real strength as they begin the playoffs.
The Yankees are also expecting to get Giancarlo Stanton back at some point during their final homestand. Despite injuries being a storyline all season, the Yankees may just be getting healthy at the perfect time.
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