Domingo German makes big statement to Yankees brass
Domingo German needed a big time start to solidify his spot in the Yankees rotation. His effort against the Mariners certainly qualified.
Thus far in the Yankees season, the idea of Domingo German has been significantly better than his actual production on the mound. During his most recent start against the Mariners, he finally put his stuff to good use. His dominant outing against Seattle sends a clear message to the team’s front office that he deserves to stay in the starting rotation.
It was clearly German’s best start of the season. He lasted seven innings and only gave up one earned run via a home run to Nelson Cruz. Perhaps more impressively, he struck out nine hitters in just 96 pitches. German was both efficient and effective against a quality Mariners offense.
The start dropped German’s ERA from 5.23 all the way down to 4.77. That statistic isn’t anything to write home about, but the talented right hander is trending in the right direction. If he can put it all together, it’s very possible he can be a huge asset for Aaron Boone down the stretch.
In the short term, the start should silence any worry about German losing his spot in the rotation to rookie Jonathan Loaisiga once Masahiro Tanaka returns from injury. It’s still unclear exactly when Tanaka will rejoin the team, but the higher-ups with the Yankees don’t want to rush him. German throwing such a gem against a quality opponent will allow the team to be conservative with his rehabilitation.
The important question now is whether or not German can build momentum off this start. No one questions whether or not he has the staff to get talented hitters out at the major league level. The issue for him so far this year has been commanding his dynamic stuff.
That wasn’t an issue for German against the Mariners. He didn’t walk a single batter against Seattle. Preventing hitters from reaching base without swinging the bat will be a priority for the 25-year-old moving forward. He’s clearly shown he can produce dominant outings when he isn’t issuing free passes.
Next: Grading the Yankees rotation: Severino dominates, but what about the rest?
At least for a night, Domingo German managed to lessen the outcry for the Yankees to acquire another starting pitcher in a trade. If he can keep things going as the season progresses, he could allow the team to experience serious success in October.