New York Yankees: Who Should Pitch the Wild Card Game?

The New York Yankees seem primed to earn one of the wild card spots for the American League this season. With the entire season on the line, who should be the starting pitcher for the one-game playoff?

In a win or go home game, the New York Yankees would have a tough decision to make. The starting rotation has exceeded expectations this year and with the addition of Sonny Gray, the options to choose from are bountiful.

Last time the club was in the wild card game we saw Masahiro Tanaka start opposite of Houston’s Dallas Keuchel. Despite early season struggles, Tanaka has turned it around in his recent outings and lowered his ERA back below 5.00.

Luis Severino has had a masterful bounce-back season, going from the weak link in the rotation to the team’s ace.

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In comes Sonny Gray, who has pitched very well this season to the tune of a 3.26 ERA.

While CC Sabathia has pitched okay this season, he doesn’t boast the same upside as any of the other three pitchers.

Taking into account the entire season, and not just recent success, Tanaka would be a downgrade from either Gray or Severino.

Now, to choose between the young hurlers feels like a win-win situation. Either player could pitch a gem in most cases, and both of them have very similar ERA’s (Severino’s ERA is 3.14).

Severino has the lower WHIP and a higher K/9 rate. On the other hand, Gray has only allowed 10 home runs to Severino’s 19.

From a statistical standpoint, both men are fairly equal. However, I’d personally start Luis Severino. He has been the “go to” guy all season, and he should be the one the Yankees rely on to propel them through the wild card round.

Next: Yankees vs. Red Sox Series Primer

The team will have a difficult decision to make, but hopefully it all works out in the end.

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