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Yankees On Deck: Rotation in flux with Carlos Rodon's injury, Luis Severino's struggles

pete caldera, northjersey.com
·3 min read
19

Entering the 50-game sprint to the regular season finish line, the Yankees find themselves in a very tough spot.

In fourth place, 12 games behind in the AL East, and 4.5 games out of a wild card spot, the challenge is for the Yankees to stay healthy enough to make a run - though it'll be a distinct uphill climb, having failed to add any substantial help at last week's MLB trade deadline.

And now, the Yanks have a deeper concern with their starting rotation.

Carlos Rodon exited another ineffective start early, but this time with tightness in his left hamstring.

Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) talks with medical staff and manager Aaron Boone (17) after an injury during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 6, 2023.
Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) talks with medical staff and manager Aaron Boone (17) after an injury during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 6, 2023.

The $162 million lefty told reporters, including MLB.com, afterword that "it was kind of more a precautionary thing'' to leave the game in the third inning and schedule tests for Monday.

'In this moment, I feel normal,'' Rodon said after the game. "It’s one of those things that we’ll have to see what tomorrow holds.”

Yankees vs. White Sox: Time, TV, probable pitchers

New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino reacts as New York Mets' Mark Canha runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino reacts as New York Mets' Mark Canha runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Monday, 8:10 p.m., YES: RHP Gerrit Cole (10-2, 2.64) vs. RHP Dylan Cease (4-5, 4.61).

Tuesday, 8:10 p.m., YES: RHP Clarke Schmidt (7-6, 4.35) vs. RHP Touki Toussaint (1-4, 3.92).

Wednesday, 8:10 p.m., YES: TBA vs. RHP Mike Clevinger (4-5, 3.72).

Bottom line: Wednesday would be Luis Severino's turn, but the Yankees seem to be sorting through other options, such as skipping him a turn and allowing him to work out of the bullpen.

With right-hander Jhony Brito optioned back to the minors after Sunday's game, fellow rookie Randy Vasquez is in play to perhaps fill in for Severino for a turn or two and possibly remain in the rotation - pending Rodon's status.

Severino has posted an ERA of 11.22 in six starts since July 1, and his first-inning troubles surfaced again during Friday night's loss against the Houston Astros, after yielding seven first inning runs at Baltimore in his previous start.

Meanwhile, Schmidt has pitched to a 3.20 ERA since mid-May and Cole is in the AL Cy Young award conversation, leading the league in ERA and innings pitched.

Yankees injury updates

Oct 23, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) hands the ball to manager Aaron Boone (17) after being taking out of the game seventh inning during game four of the ALCS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) hands the ball to manager Aaron Boone (17) after being taking out of the game seventh inning during game four of the ALCS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Rodon is headed for an MRI on his tight left hamstring, which could - at minimum - force him to skip a turn or two in the Yanks' rotation.

Reliever Jonathan Loaisiga is expected to be activated from the injured list and available to pitch Monday, four months after having a bone spur removed from near his right elbow.

Anthony Rizzo is not expected to join the Yankees on the Chicago leg of this road trip. He's due for a follow-up exam related to his recent diagnosis of post-concussion symptoms.

The first baseman, who originally collided with Fernando Tatis Jr. on May 28, is to be evaluated weekly and his timetable for a return has yet to be determined.

New York Mets' David Robertson pitches during the ninth inning in the continuation of a suspended baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, July 22, 2023, in Boston. The game was suspended the night before due to heavy rain.
New York Mets' David Robertson pitches during the ninth inning in the continuation of a suspended baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, July 22, 2023, in Boston. The game was suspended the night before due to heavy rain.

Coming attractions: Miami Marlins

As the opening move in their sell-off, the Mets sent closer David Robertson to the Miami Marlins for prospects.

This weekend, the Yankees will see their old friend again.

The last active member of the Yankees' last world championship team, in 2009, Robertson last appeared against the Yankees on July 25, retiring both batters he faced in a 9-3 Mets win.

Squarely in the NL wild card picture, the Marlins host the Yankees in a three-game series beginning Friday night, following a Yankees team off day Thursday.

From Miami, the Yankees move on to play the NL East-leading Braves in a three-game set at Atlanta starting Aug. 14.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Yankees news: Carlos Rodon injury and Luis Severino struggles