C.C. was contributing significantly in the Yankees’ rotation, but he’s now out with a hamstring injury. Is there a silver lining? Perhaps so if Chad Green and/or Chance Adams can fill-in effectively.
Just when you started believing that the Yankees had a starting pitcher who was consistent, strong, and delivering 6-8 innings each game, he goes down with a hamstring injury. That pitcher is C.C Sabathia.
C.C. was becoming the ideal secondary option in the Yankee rotation. He had won his last five games, while sporting a revamped ERA of 3.64.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
C.C. had begun to find his niche–cruise control. Tuesday night vs. the Angels was no different. The one run he gave up came on a Chris Carter error during a routine play. If Carter had recorded that out, perhaps C.C. wouldn’t have had to throw extra pitches and injure his leg.
But we all know better. Since coming to NY Sabathia has faced a series of injuries–from knee problems, to shoulder issues, to elbow ailments.
Injuries are bound to happen. This time he’ll get a 2-3 week stint on the DL.
At issue now is how the Yankees will respond. This might be a good time for NY to stick with a six-man rotation and call in young arms they’ve been waiting to test out.
Chad Green (photo, USA Today
Chad Green was not stellar last Sunday, but he was more than serviceable and could warrant another start going forward. Green owns a 2.41 era in 18.2 innings with 23 strikeouts. Tabbed as a long reliever, Green just might develop into a reliable starter
Another option is Chance Adams, who has been working his way through the minors. At Double A Trenton he had a 1.03 ERA. He’s now sporting a 2.52 ERA at AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre. This youngster just might be ready for the Bigs. The Yankees should consider bringing him up while his confidence is high.
So C.C.’s injury might have a silver lining. If Chad Green and/or Chance Adams fill in effectively, that would go a long way toward answering the question of who’ll be in the rotation going forward.
