New York Yankees: What to do with the Rotation

Today, Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees announced that Adam Warren will return to the bullpen.

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Warren was 5-5, with the best ERA in the Yankees’ rotation so far this season. Warren will now be a part of the bullpen that once Andrew Miller returns from the DL, will be unquestionably a Top-3 pen in baseball. Warren in the 7th, Dellin Betances in the 8th, and Miller in the 9th will be an unstoppable three-headed monster.

While the move does solidify the bullpen, it takes away one of the consistent pillars in the starting rotation. The Yankees’ starting rotation has been far from consistent. Both Tanaka and Pineda have been up-and-down, each one looking like an ace in one start and a middle of the rotation guy the next. CC Sabathia has been horrible. Nova is finding himself again, although there is hope. Finally, Nathan Eovaldi shows potential and is solid, but hasn’t been the starter Warren has. The Yankees’ rotation is a mess and they just sent their most consistent starter to the pen. What will they do?

The Yankees have two options. They can stand pat and hope Tanaka and Pineda can start stringing together some good outings in a row or they can buy at the deadline. Whatever path the Yankees choose, it will be directly affected by their position in the AL East. If they are in first or within 3 or even 5 games of the lead by the end of July, look for them to make a move. However, if they are more than a few games back or ahead, i’d be willing to bet that they will stay put.

If the Yankees do look to add more pitching depth, look for them to add guys with only a year left, like Johnny Cueto or Jeff Samardzija. The Yankees will most likely have to give up a lot, but considering the fact that both will be free agents at the end of the year, there is a chance they won’t have to give up one of their big 3: Luis Severino, Greg Bird, or Aaron Judge.

The next month could have a major impact on the Yankees’ roster, both this season and future seasons. The rotation took a big hit today, but either through trade or internal stabilization it can be fixed. If these pitchers get hot, Pineda finds his slider again and Tanaka can be true to form, this team has a real shot at a title this season.

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