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Yankees have a big pitching decision to make ahead of the playoffs

By Rucker Haringey

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 04: Deivi García #83 of the New York Yankees is taken out by manager Aaron Boone #17 during game two of a doubleheader baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 4, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 04: Deivi García #83 of the New York Yankees is taken out by manager Aaron Boone #17 during game two of a doubleheader baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 4, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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J.A. Happ and Deivi Garcia both have a chance to be the Yankees’ third starter in the playoffs. Which hurler will Aaron Boone choose?

The Yankees know that Gerrit Cole and Masahiro Tanaka will anchor their starting rotation in the playoffs. The question of who will start Game Three is what looms over Aaron Boone and the organization at the moment. Both J.A. Happ and Deivi Garcia believe they are the right guy to get the ball at that stage of the postseason.

The team hopes that whoever gets the ball in Game 3 will be armed with a 2-0 lead on the back of strong performances by Cole and Tanaka. Reality dictates that any series is much more likely to be tied at 1. That makes it a crucial decision for Boone to get right.

The case for J.A. Happ

Happ’s ugly start to the 2020 season made it look like his days as an effective starter might be over. To his credit, he closed the season by pitching his best baseball. It’s a testament to his resilience that he’s even in the frame to get a postseason start.

Boone will be tempted to hand him the ball in Game 3 because of his experience. Happ isn’t going to be intimidated by the pressure of a pivotal playoff start. He may not have a strong history of postseason success, but the chances of him getting shelled due to stage fright are minimal.

The simple truth is that Happ’s season ERA of 3.47 in nine starts makes him the team’s third most effective starter on the season. If Boone makes the choice based on cold, hard facts, it’s hard to argue against Happ being the guy.

The case for Deivi Garcia

Garcia exploded onto the scene with several dazzling starts this season for the Yankees. Despite being a rookie, he looked calm and collected each time he took the mound. In particular, Garcia came up big on several instances where the Yankees needed him to stop a losing streak.

The young right-hander has the advantage in terms of raw stuff. His late moving fastball gives hitters real problems even though it only reaches the mid-90s in terms of velocity. More importantly, has sharp curveball gives Garcia a pitch that can put elite hitters away with two strikes.

If Boone believes he needs his Game 3 pitcher to make an elite start then he’ll go with the rookie. His ceiling is significantly higher than Happ’s. On the other hand, so is the possibility that he’ll crumble under the pressure of the postseason.

What will Aaron Boone do?

Boone’s choice will be impacted by the identity of the Yankees’ first-round opponent. If New York goes up against a left-handed dominated lineup then Happ will get the choice since he’s a southpaw. If the opponent features a ton of power bats for the right side, then the advantage goes to Garcia.

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Assuming the Yankees face a balanced lineup, look for Boone to play it safe and go with Happ. Garcia has pitched with remarkable poise during the regular season, but the organization can’t be sure how he’ll respond to the pressure of the postseason. Happ isn’t the sexy choice, but Boone will likely turn to him as the more comfortable option.

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