The New York Yankees' pitching woes continue with the American League East on the line. As the team continues to fight the Toronto Blue Jays for the division lead, they could be without one of their more consistent arms for the rest of the season. The Yankees' move to not chase players like David Price, Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto might be coming back to haunt them as Nathan Eovaldi is likely out for the season.
According to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com, Eovaldi is not looking like he will be healthy for the playoffs after suffering from elbow inflammation. The starting pitcher saw the team doctor on Sunday and it appears his injury might be worse than assumed. The Yankees were hopeful the pitcher would be able to compete in one of the games against the Blue Jays considering his success this year, but that is now looking unlikely as general manager Brian Cashman says the team is considering shutting Eovaldi down.
"I think he'll see Ahmad later this week but we'll see where we're at," Cashman said, via NJ.com. "But clearly because of where we're at, this time of season, you know, you're going to run out of time. The only thing we're interested in right now is making sure he's right before we take that next step. If he's not right, we won't take that next step."
The injury to Eovalid is paired with the injury to Masahiro Tanaka. The pitcher is suffering from a hamstring strain that is leaving him out of the starting lineup and putting Ivan Nova back in. The pitcher got nabbed to go up against the Blue Jays shortly after Joe Girardi announced his demotion to the bullpen. Nova has struggled since his return from Tommy John surgery. Consistency has been an issue as he posts a 7.46 ERA in his last seven starts. Girardi made it clear that Nova was not pitching well right now, but injuries have forced the team's hand.
"We have not made any decisions right now on when he'll pitch again," Girardi said, via ESPN.com prior to the weekend.. "I'm not saying that he won't start another game, but over the weekend he'll be in the bullpen. Most starters want to start, and I understand that. But we need his help in our bullpen now."
Adam Warren and Luis Severino will be in the playoff pitching rotation. With injuries it looks like CC Sabathia will also occupy a spot. With all of the injuries this season, it is expected the Yankees will take a look at bigger names come the offseason when several players hit the free agent market.
