Is There A Favorite For The Yankees Fifth Starter?

I wasn’t expecting the battle for the Yankees fifth spot in the starting rotation to be intense, but it is. The Yankees are going to have a hard decision to make, harder than anticipated. The bottom of the rotation looks promising, more promising then it did a few weeks ago.

I know it is early, I am not getting overly excited just yet. I just like what I am seeing so far. The rotation beyond Gerrit Cole has been a giant question mark all winter. I’ve been nervous about the anchor of the rotation. There’s been talk that Deivi Garcia may need more time in Triple-A and we weren’t sure how Domingo German would look after missing so much time away.

But now we have a good battle shaping for the last spot. I thought Garcia’s start against the Blue Jays last week was impressive when he struck out five and only allowed two hits. He wasn’t quite as impressive yesterday but he still has a 2.25 ERA in three starts this spring with 10 strikeouts and two walks.

Now German gets his third start today, and I am waiting to see if he can build on his good spring so far. In his first two starts he has not allowed a run, struck out seven and has no walks.

I think I am more interested in this rotation battle because scouts have also been buzzing about these two and giving their own opinions. I really like both guys, and I’ve always been very high on Garcia so I get excited about him pitching in the rotation….and maybe it will happen. Both guys are getting a lot of attention from scouts this spring. “For me, German is a [number] 3 1/2, 4 starter,” one rival talent evaluator said. “But I think Garcia might be a 3 or even potentially a 2. The overall stuff is better,” read more HERE.

Now, I know one scout evaluation isn’t the final answer, but it excites me still. The Yankees will have a hard choice to make. A good battle is always an exciting one. I wonder who will ultimately be our fifth starter come Opening Day, anyone want to take a guess?