Dellin Betances

New York Yankees: Who will be the most influential bullpen arm during the playoffs?

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New York Yankees, Jordan Montgomery

The New York Yankees are heading towards the playoffs and require more pitching support, which is where Dellin Betances and Jordan Montgomery will make their mark.

Montgomery, who has missed the entire season up to this point, will be a massive addition for the playoffs given his ability to feature as a bullpen arm and supplement the injury to CC Sabathia. With the veteran suffering from knee inflammation, Jordan will provide the Yankees value in regards to injuries and fatigue.

You could make the argument that Betances will be even more impactful, despite suffering from a shoulder impingement injury. With a 2.70 ERA last season, the Yankees relief pitcher could be exactly what they need in the bullpen to grind out wins and help the starters finish games.

However, I believe that Montgomery will be the more valuable player given his diversity and the multiple roles he can play. He also adds a lefty arm to the grouping. Recovering from Tommy John surgery will limit his usage, essentially ruling him out as a consistent starter, but he could serve as a potential opener.

How the New York Yankees could use their injured pitchers differently:

Both Mongomery and Luis Severino could be utilized in the opener role, similar to Chad Green in the regular season, minimizing their usage and allowing them to take the team two/three innings before bringing in a starter. While experimenting with that utilization might not be the best idea during the playoffs, it could certainly work, unless the Yankees feel that they’re better of suited for the bullpen.

Stretching out two pitchers who haven’t tossed pitches at all this season at the top level is not a good idea, which leaves the Bombers with only two options — opening or coming in as relief options. Manager Aaron Boone could surely use the help in that facet as Nestor Cortes Jr., Tommy Kahnle, Chad Green, and Luis Cessa have struggled at times. Adding Jordan to the group would make them dangerous, heading into the elimination rounds.

New York Yankees: Dellin Betances Nearing Rehab Assignment

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New York Yankees, Dellin Betances

The New York Yankees have not seen their “go-to” guy Dellin Betances throw from a major league mound this season. The 31-year-old endured a lat injury during spring training and has been sidelined all year.

Betances has made great process recently. He threw in a live batting practice session with no issues on Wednesday, where he’s expected to throw another simulated game Saturday. Betances said, “I felt fine today, so I was happy with that.”

Not only has Betances been hurt physically this season, but mentally he’s struggled as well. He’s talked about how he’s been hesitant if he should trust the area (lat) being good to go. Betances added, “This is the first time being hurt in the big leagues. It’s been frustrating, but the fun part is about to start, so I’ll be back for that.”

The New York Yankees intend to have Betances begin a rehab assignment if his next simulated game completes with no issues. There’s hope that the right-hander will be back wearing pinstripes in the bullpen for mid-September.

Betances should be working up to around 25-30 pitches which is roughly two-to-three innings worth. The Yankees might have him work up his innings in the major leagues since the September 1st deadline for roster expansion is approaching quickly.

Betances’ teammate Luis Severino has also been sidelined all year long. He’s been making strong process in his rehab and is expected to have a rehab start this weekend in Scranton. The return of both players would ultimately aid the Yankees as they seek their 29th championship.

New York Yankees escape serious injury to star player

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New York Yankees, Gio Urshela

The 2019 regular season for the New York Yankees has been plagued by injuries to vital contributing players. Escaping the injury bug has been a struggle, but lesser players have risen to the occasion to help supplement the team’s unfortunate losses.

However, another star player went down on Wednesday night. Third baseman Gio Urshela left the game with groin tightness, an injury that doesn’t seem too significant but can be lengthy. The groin muscle is susceptible and is needed for most basic baseball activities. While Urshela left the game with the ailment, it seems as if he escaped without suffering anything long-term.

“I think he is OK, just got a little tight in the groin so want to be safe with that and hopefully it is something that is not a big deal,’’ manager Aaron Boone said, according to the NY Post:

The starting infielder felt his groin tighten up running to first base after a single at the middle. He believes that the injury won’t stop him from playing on Friday against the Oakland Athletics. The Yankees head into a three-game series in the Bronx.

Positive injury news for the infield:

Starting shortstop Didi Gregorius suffered a bone bruise against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, but his return is imminent he acted as a pinch-hitter for Geo in the sixth inning Wednesday after the third baseman was forced out. The Yankees went on to win the game 7-3.

The Yankees need their infield to be healthy for the final push of the regular season. Heading into the playoffs, it’s essential they have their best defenders and hitters in the lineup. With one of the best records in baseball, they must continue with their momentum and gaining back pitchers Luis Severino, and Dellin Betances will be significant to their future success.

New York Yankees to gain back essential slugger very soon

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New York Yankees, Edwin Encarnacion

As we journey towards the post-season, the New York Yankees are attempting to return several influential players who have been hampered due to injury. Starting pitcher Luis Severino and relief option Dellin Betances are both preparing for minor-league rehab assignments that would allow them to return to the team before the end of the regular season.

However, one of the more impactful bats in the lineup and starting quality defender, Edwin Encarnacion, is inching closer to a return as well. The Yankees mid-season acquisition from the Seattle Mariners was on a home run tear before going down with a fractured wrist, but has been hitting in the cage and manager Aaron Boone stated he should be back sooner rather than later.

Encarnacion plucked ground balls and played catch, further proving his successful rehab.

“From my understanding that went well,’’ Boone said of Edwin.

The Slugger was hitting .238 for the Yanks before suffering the injury, and while that number doesn’t jump off the page, his home run totals are what make him a significant weapon in the batting order. With 30 homers on the year, the Bombers need his influence back, along with fellow first-baseman Luke Voit.

Statistically, Encarnacion is the better defensive option and will likely return in that facet, while Voit acts as the everyday designated hitter.

The Yankees will need both players healthy for the playoff quest considering their lack of quality pitching in the starting rotation and bullpen. I expect to see heavy doses of Adam Ottavino and Domingo German/Masahiro Tanaka. It also seems as if James Paxton will earn the nod ahead of J.A. Happ in the rotation.

Another New York Yankees injury update:

Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is also on the track to recovery, as he was seen launching lasers during batting practice on Tuesday night. Consistent injuries have derailed him this year, forcing him to the injured reserve list. Having just 38 total plate-appearances this year, Stanton will look to return before the playoffs to gain some momentum and help his team succeed down the stretch.

New York Yankees: Main Focus Heading into the End of Season

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New York Yankees, Gleyber Torres

The New York Yankees are heading to Seattle after a series win against the best team in the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

They came off a rough series in Oakland and got swept out of the city. For players weekend, the Yankees headed to Los Angeles for 3-game weekend series, which many thought would be a World Series preview. Aaron Judge homered in every game and the starting pitching proved they can help this team win big games. Paxton, German, and even Sabathia had strong starts, keeping the team in the game. Hopefully, the Yankees will have a healthy rotation and bullpen for the playoffs.

What should be the Yankees main focus for the next few months?

The Yankees’ starting pitching earned run average of 4.72 (Baseball-Reference). That ranks near the lower half of the league. However, if the offense continues to mash, this will not be a problem as long as the ERA stays where it is.

The Yankees have nearly had their whole 25-man roster on the injured list at some point during the season. The main focus has to be: get healthy. With Severino and Betances on their way back from gruesome injuries and setbacks, they will certainly help with the Yankees’ pitching inconsistency problems. Also, Luke Voit is on his way back which will push Mike Ford back to the minors. The problem is: the Yankees have constantly been awaiting the return of their key players all season. This will take time. The Yankees will have a very potent offense and an improved pitching staff when everyone comes back from injury. Especially, with home-field advantage, it will be an unprecedented series against the Houston Astros.

New York Yankees: Great injury news for Luis Severino and Dellin Betances

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New York Yankees, Luis Severino

The New York Yankees are picking up more pitchers from the waiver wire than they are wins at the moment, and the reality of missing out on a quality option before the trade deadline is starting to become apparent.

The Yankees picked up pitcher Cory Gearrin on Friday afternoon, adding him to the 40-man roster over Domingo Acevedo. Gearrin, 33, has a 3.92 ERA (4.08 FIP) over 41.1 innings this season.

The news the New York Yankees needed:

However, the most interesting story of the day came in the form of injury updates. Yankees’ ace Luis Severino tossed two-innings in a simulated game. Manager Aaron Boone stated that it reportedly went well and is moving forward towards a minor league assignment.

“Assuming everything goes well with him bouncing back [Friday], he will be on that five-day rotation. He will throw another side in between and have a more extensive sim game his next time out, in five days,’’ Boone said of Severino. “Hopefully, if that goes well, probably the next time out would be maybe in some [minor league] game action.’’

The Yanks are in dire need of their top pitcher before the playoffs roll around. Severino struggled last year in the post-season, but the deficiencies of the starting rotation make his influence vitally needed and beneficial.

As for relief option Dellin Betances, he seems to be right behind Severino on the comeback trail. Suffering from a right lat strain, Betances was scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday and another on Tuesday, according to Boone.

The Yankees could use their best relief arm other than Adam Ottavino for the playoffs, and even though he hasn’t thrown at all this season, he will be a comforting option given the lack of depth in the bullpen.

New York Yankees: Dellin Betances and Luis Severino’s Return is Key for 2019 Postseason

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New York Yankees, Luis Severino

The New York Yankees have been without two of their most dominate pitchers all season due to injury. Luis Severino and Dellin Betances have not made an appearance all year except for some spring training action. However, Severino and Betances are around the same spot in their rehabbing and can potentially make a comeback before the end of the year.

Severino has talked about taking a bullpen role when he returns where all he said was, “I just want to pitch.” Having Severino taking the mound in pinstripes in either role would be monumental for the club heading into the postseason. Betances was also the “go-to” guy during jams which would give the bullpen more depth.

Heading into the postseason, the New York Yankees will need to do something about their starting rotation. The current rotation is currently not strong enough to go up against the slugging Dodgers and deep-pitching Astros. With Severino and Domingo German starting games, the club will match other team’s pitching and no one will match the Yankees’ lineup.

 

Betances and Severino’s rehab

Betances threw a bullpen on Sunday and is closed to being cleared to face live hitters soon. There’s a very high chance that as long there are no major setbacks, Betances will be pitching for the Bombers in September.

Luis Severino faced live hitters Sunday at Yankee Stadium where he said he “felt great” throwing. He threw a 15 pitch simulated game after throwing 25 in the bullpen. He’s expected to throw another simulated game later this week in Tampa and following that he’ll begin a rehab assignment which should set his return for mid-September.

New York Yankees: Is Brian Cashman a genius or a fool?

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New York Yankees, Brian Cashman

Before the MLB trade deadline, the New York Yankees were in a very tough situation with their starting pitching rotation. Most believed they would strike a deal to bring in a quality pitcher to supplement injuries and inconsistencies. However, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman fell silent and the trade deadline passed over with no deals being completed.

Most saw this as a serious issue, but the Yankees have lost just one game since the July 31 deadline. They proceeded to sweep the Boston Red Sox in a four-game series and then sweep the Baltimore Orioles immediately after. They have scored 72 total runs in their last nine games.

This begs the question, is New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman a genius or a fool?

At this point, Cashman seems more like a genius, but the sample size is small. The postseason, which the Yankees will undoubtedly make, will pose a different set of challenges, especially for the starting pitching rotation against more productive batters.

Several injuries, including catcher Gary Sanchez, outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, reliever Dellin Betances, and two starting pitchers in Luis Severino and CC Sabathia are all working their way through treatments to return and contribute towards a potential World Series appearance. Recent injuries to both starting first basemen Luke Voit and Edwin Encarnacion have forced the Yankees to dive deeper into their minor-league system and pull up Mike Ford. Also, utility man DJ LeMahieu will have to compensate for the loss of their offensive production and defensive prowess.

The starting pitching woes will have more of an immediate impact against better quality teams in the postseason. If the Yankees are forced to face off against a team like the Houston Astros, they could be in over their heads and Cashman could look like a fool for sitting quietly during the trade deadline. The Astros currently have Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, and  Gerrit Cole as their primary starters.

There is still time for the Yankees to rehab Severino back to full health and get their starters trending positive before the postseason, but it is impossible to say if they will be prepared to handle better offensive teams.

New York Yankees could pull up Deivi Garcia in August

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New York Yankees, Deivi Garcia

The New York Yankees are in a very peculiar situation. Their starting pitching rotation is battered, beat, and in a state of peril. With J.A. Happ Being placed on the 10 – day unable to perform list due to paternity leave, the rotation is in even more trouble.

The Yankees failed to add any quality starters at the trade deadline in part because of the impending return of several options including Luis Severino.

Banking on the return of Severino, Dellin Betances, and Jonathan Loaisiga, is a risky move, simply because there is no established timetable on their return and if they will be able to perform at a high-level.

However, the Yankees might rely on youth prospect Deivi Garcia to supplement the deficiencies on the team right now. The 20-year-old strikeout-machine could help as a relief option, but it isn’t out of the equation that he can contribute as a starter. I do not believe he will be starting option, but the Yankees might not have a choice if starters keep going down.

Brian Cashman stated regarding Garcia:

“We’ve got to finish his development off. If he does help this year, it’ll be out of the bullpen.”

A source has stated that the Yankees could pull up Garcia within the next two weeks given the lack of quality options available.

Deivi is currently playing with AAA Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre, where he is 1-2 on the year with a 6.63 ERA in four starts.

Gaining familiarity with the different grip on the currently used baseball has been a struggle this year for Garcia. The movement on his pitches has decreased, making it easier for hitters to produce. The different baseball being used this year has caused issues across the major leagues, as pitchers are stating that the grip is too difficult to utilize because the laces are too low.

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The Yankees might have struck gold with their youth pitcher, as several teams were trying to pry him away before the trade deadline. The 5-foot-9, 163-pound starter, “checks all the boxes,” Cashman said.

Ensuring that he develops properly and isn’t rushed into the big leagues is essential for the Yankees, as they could stunt his growth if brought up too early.

New York Yankees: Dellin Betances Timetable and Update

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New York Yankees, Dellin Betances

Dellin Betances of the New York Yankees has missed the entire season so far with an injured lat. His rehabbing has been up and down, however there is some positive news with the hard-throwing reliever.

Betances threw on flat ground from 60 feet away this past Monday, per Cole Harvey of ESPN.com. This was the first time he has thrown since early June, and is just the beginning of his throwing program. Betances is expected to complete a full throwing program before he moves into live games.

Manager Aaron Boone said this about Betances and his teammate Luis Severino, “Within the next couple of weeks, if everything continues to progress,” Boone said. “I would say some time in the early part of next month, they should be on the mound, if everything continues to go well.”

According to CBS sports, Betances is expected to be out until at least August 6th. However, I don’t see this occurring. He has too much ground to cover before he heads into live games and I think he’ll return late August.

Betances is one of the best arms in the Yankees’ bullpen. He was credited to a 2.70 ERA last season where he only allowed 20 earned runs in 66.2 innings pitched (Baseball Reference). He runs his fastball to triple digits while having a spinner at 86 mph to keep hitters guessing.

The Yankees bullpen hasn’t really missed a step with Betances’ absence. They rank second among the league’s bullpen ERAs with a 3.72, just behind Cleveland’s 3.30. They have limited batters to a .236 batting average with an astounding 442 strikeouts this season so far.