Fansided

Grading all five members of the Yankees starting rotation

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Domingo German #55 of the New York Yankees reacts after coming out of the game during the seventh inning of game two of a double header against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on May 15, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Domingo German #55 of the New York Yankees reacts after coming out of the game during the seventh inning of game two of a double header against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on May 15, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 5: Pitcher Domingo German #55 of the New York Yankees follows through on a pitch in an MLB baseball game against the Minnesota Twins on May 5, 2019 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Yankees won 4-1. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 5: Pitcher Domingo German #55 of the New York Yankees follows through on a pitch in an MLB baseball game against the Minnesota Twins on May 5, 2019 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Yankees won 4-1. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /

Domingo German

There’s been a lot written about how much Gio Urshela’s unexpected productivity has benefited the Yankees lineup, but he’s not the biggest surprise on this ball club. That honor can only go to Domingo German for pitching like the team’s unquestioned ace on the young season.

When Severino went down with an injury in Spring Training the only hope from the organization was that German could pitch like a quality starter in his absence. He’s blown away even the most optimistic expectations with the way he’s pitched through nine starts.

If the All-Star team were being selected today then German would have a bulletproof case to make the squad. He sports a dominant 9-1 record on the back of his 2.60 ERA. Even when German hasn’t had his best stuff he’s found a way to get quality outs and keep the Yankees in games.

It’s unrealistic to expect German to pitch like this through the full season, but fans should enjoy watching him while it lasts. He has flashed an improved fastball this season to go along with his devastating breaking ball.

Throw in an above-average change-up and it’s easy to understand why he’s so difficult to hit.

For a guy who was projected to start the year in AAA he’s been a Godsend for the Yankees. He deserves a ton of credit for the team’s hot start.

Grade: A+

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