The chances the New York Yankees are playing a one-off wildcard game are getting very high. After losing in their series finale to the Toronto Blue Jays, the division title appears to be out of reach and now New York must focus on the wildcard game which means picking a pitcher that is healthy enough to start. That has been an issue for the Yankees. Manager Joe Girardi believes Nathan Eovaldi is out for the year putting the pressure on Masahiro Tanaka to get healthy.
According to Newsday.com, Tanaka had suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain running the bases. He has been out since causing Ivan Nova to start in his place and cause a near disaster for the Yankees. However, general manager Brian Cashman told the media that he believes Tanaka will be ready to play should a wildcard game be in their future.
"I can't say 100 percent, but I believe he will,'' Cashman said , via the New York Post. "He felt he could have pitched Wednesday.''
If the Yankees play a wildcard game, Tanaka is their best option. CC Sabathia cannot be relied upon. The team does not sound keen on trusting rookie Luis Severino with the job. Eovaldi is not healthy. Nova might be done for good. The best option is Tanaka. According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN.com, the chances are slim Nova pitches in the playoffs. His best shot at getting in is if Eovaldi is officially lost for the year with elbow inflammation. Marchand believes the rotation will be Tanaka, Michael Pineda, Eovaldi if heathly, Sabathia and then Severino. With Nova getting bumped out, the pitcher is now fighting for his future.
"This guy can beat anybody on any given day, Cashman said, via ESPN.com. If he has his good stuff and he can command it that day I've got as much confidence in Ivan Nova as anybody. So he is going to get his chance to come back. I know he wasn't happy with the bullpen and had a lot of trepidation for a good reason, given he's coming back from Tommy John and he's never pitched out of the pen before."
The Yankees also have questions regarding their infield. Rob Refsnyder has earned his first start in place of the slumping Stephen Drew and Brendan Ryan. It is unclear if the rookie will continue at the second base spot once the playoffs come around, but the Yankees are at least getting a good look at their future.