Fansided

Sonny Gray has a chance at Yankees redemption

By Rucker Haringey

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 18: Sonny Gray #55 of the New York Yankees looks on during game two of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park on June 18, 2018 in Washington, DC. The Yankees won 4-2. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 18: Sonny Gray #55 of the New York Yankees looks on during game two of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park on June 18, 2018 in Washington, DC. The Yankees won 4-2. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Sonny Gray needs to overcome two obstacles against the Red Sox tonight. He needs to both pitch well against a quality opponent and perform at home.

The special attention paid to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry can work for or against the players involved. More than any other Yankee, Sonny Gray could use a solid performance against Boston to raise his stock with fans. The challenge, is that Gray needs to reverse two important trends to make tonight’s start a success.

First, Gray simply has to pitch better against a quality opponent. His 5-5 record and 4.93 ERA isn’t impressive in the least, but it’s still buoyed by quality outings against the dregs of MLB. Gray’s longest, and best two outings of the year have come against the Royals and Blue Jays. Not coincidentally, his two worst outings have come against Boston and the Angels. His April loss to the Red Sox where he gave up six earned runs in three innings really got his season headed in the wrong direction.

It will be challenging enough for Gray to handle the increase in competition. The Red Sox boast one of the most talented lineups in the game. Unfortunately for the Yankees, Gray also needs to show he can be a quality starter in the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium.

Gray’s seven home starts this season have been dreadful. He has a 2-2 win loss record, but his ERA of 7.22 in 33.2 innings pitched is a more accurate reflection of his performance. Hitters are raking against Gray to the tune of a .309 average at home this year. Seven starts isn’t a massive sample size, but there does seem to be something to the idea that Gray can’t pitch in front of the home fans.

Pessimistic Yankees fans might look at these facts and plan for a real bad outing from Gray tonight. That’s certainly a possibility. Fortunately for Aaron Boone, C.C. Sabathia’s gem last night means he has a fresh bullpen to use. If Gray struggles early against the Red Sox, expect to see a quick hook from the Yankees manager.

There is, however, the possibility that this start can turn Gray’s season around. Despite his struggles, he’s shown flashes of excellent pitching this season. The trouble is he hasn’t been nearly consistent enough with his command to be a quality starter.

Next: Grading the Yankees rotation: Severino dominates, but what about the rest?

It might be unfair to heap so much pressure on one start, but this outing could go a long way towards establishing whether or not the Yankees can trust Gray to stay in the rotation all season long. Boone may not have a ton of options now, but Brian Cashman can always make things happen at the deadline. Gray needs a quality outing to build meaningful momentum for the second half of the season.

Home/New York Yankees