After another good outing last night, German is 4 innings from exceeding the most innings he has thrown in a season - 124 and nearly 30 innings past his previous MLB high.
We all know MLB teams are loath the push pitchers too far beyond previous highs so as to not stress the arm or damage the shoulder. Of course, this is generally for young pitchers, developing pitchers. German is 27, not 22/23/24. Bobby Montano at View from 314ft points out that German's FB has dropped from 95/96 three weeks ago to 93/94 last night. Is this by design or is it fatigue? Good question and I'm sure the team knows. But since his curveball and changeup sit 82/83, he still has the ideal 10 mph separation between FB and off speed. His FB control, IIRC, was his problem. Did he purposely take a touch off his FB to gain control? Pedro Martinez found out later in his career that 92 on the fastball was plenty (his change sat 78) and opined had he known that, he would not have thrown 95 early in his career and probably been able to pitch longer.
So speculation is that 150-160 innings is what the Yanks are looking at for German in order to have him available in the playoffs. Boone says no plan has been developed, yet. Now that seems strange considering their history of managing arms. Could it be that they are considering the 3 weeks he was shut down with the hip flexor strain reset his arm? Could they be considering teaming him with Sevy to reduce his innings while building Sevy's (or maybe Loaisiga?)
I have a feeling that German being older and having had the break caused by the injury allows them to let him throw further into the season.
I also think you could be seeing some combo of Green, CC, Sevy, Loaisiga and German become a "Super Opener" situation in the next month. It would certainly help the pen, while saving arms SP(and knees).
Hopefully Severino and the bulpen can slot in as the 6th starter for the last 4 weeks. And Losiga and an opener could work until Sevy is up.
German is our best SP and we need him to pitch post season.
In other news we are tied with the Dodgers for best record in MLB!
German is our best SP and we need him to pitch post season.
In other news we are tied with the Dodgers for best record in MLB!
I think he tried, but was unwilling to pay the Yankee tax. I also think he was counting on Severino being back, along with Betances.
I think the opener thing can work out well. Pair him with Loaisiga or Cortes or even Sevy. get 6 0r 7 combined from both.
I really don't think this is high on anybody's list if it comes at the expense of injury.
German is our best SP and we need him to pitch post season.
In other news we are tied with the Dodgers for best record in MLB!
You can't bash Cashman and then turn around and celebrate the Yankees having the best record in baseball. A team that he built. Did you think the Yankees were formed by magic?
Ideally, you knock 2-3 starts off or use him in an "opener" role on his scheduled days but cap him at like 3 or 4 innings tops.
Regardless of what Boone said, I believe they do have a plan for German or at least some semblance of a framework in place.
There are a lot of moving parts. I think Loaisiga would be an ideal opener who can go 2-3+. Maybe one of these kids who got a shot recently (Lail, Rosa) will find their way back in September and help soak up some innings.
Garcia could also be a Sept. call up and be used out of the bullpen.
Having German available in October is obviously going to be crucial, so I'm positive the Yankees will ensure that he will be.