4 pitchers who can replace Masahiro Tanaka in the Yankees rotation

4 internal options who can replace Masahiro Tanaka in the Yankees rotation

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 08: Pitcher Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks off the mound after the first inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on June 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Mets 4-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – MARCH 02: New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (64) delivers a pitch during the MLB Spring training game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees on March 02, 2018 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. (Photo by /Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Jonathan Loaisiga

Justus Sheffield has a bigger reputation, but many Yankees insiders believe Loaisiga is actually more big league ready. The talented right hander has been electric in the minors this season.

In particular, Yankees scouts are excited about their young pitcher’s command. He’s struck out 54 hitters for Trenton this season against only four walks. That’s contributed to his ability to post a 2.30 ERA this season for the Thunder.

The fact that he’s already on the 40-man roster could also work in Loaisiga’s favor. Bringing him up to the bigs wouldn’t require Cashman to give up any player of meaningful value. When thinking about the long-term health of the franchise, Cashman may view the 23-year-old as the perfect combination between potential and safety.

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Loaisiga is a player the Yankees need to call up sooner, rather than later. They might have preferred to get him a few more innings in the minors, but Tanaka’s injury is going to rob them of that luxury. He’s the best bet to take the Japanese hurler’s place in the rotation when the Yankees are forced to make a move later this week.

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