Yankees set rotation for opening series against Blue Jays



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CLEARWATER, Fla – Gerrit Cole, Corey Kluber and Domingo Germán set to face the Blue Jays in the Yankees’ first regular-season series, with manager Aaron Boone announcing on Sunday that the club plan to “slow down” Jameson Taillon exits of Tommy John’s surgery.

With that line put to work in the April 1-4 game against Toronto, Boone plans to send Jordan Montgomery, Cole and Taillon up the hill in the April 5-7 series against the Orioles.

“With Jamo, we feel like he’s in a good physical position. With the days off that we have in April, we just want to be mindful of building these guys well, ”Boone said. “We think a sixth starter will take into account at least once in April. By doing it this way, we’ll keep our guys as much as possible on day five and six.

Taillon was told about the plan about two weeks ago and he agrees with the Yankees’ reasoning. Taillon had his second career surgery with Tommy John in August 2019 and missed the entire 2020 season. The Yankees acquired Taillon from the Pirates in January.

“I totally agree with that,” Taillon said. “We talked about not putting a hard end limit on myself, but at the same time it comes with the understanding that at the start of the year let’s get creative and see if there’s a way to save some balls. . , ease in cold weather, ease of competition. I get excited every time my name is called. “

Three members of the rotation – Kluber, Taillon and Germán – combined for a Major League round last season. Boone was impressed with the lack of rust Germán showed after missing all last year while serving a suspension under baseball’s domestic violence policy, and said that Kluber and Taillon had been ” As announced”.

“I’m really excited about them,” Boone said. “I feel like their business has been good. I feel like their recovery and rebound has been solid. We obviously have a long way to go, but as we go into the season I feel like we are in a good position.

Mike Tauchman was in obvious discomfort after touching a ball to his right ankle during a second inning at bat in Sunday’s show against the Phillies, drawing attention to the pitch from Boone and a coach of ‘Athletics. Tauchman continued his stick, hitting and playing another half inning in left field before being replaced by Ryan LaMarre.

One of the few decisions left on the roster is infielder / outfielder Tyler Wade, who tries to break camp as part of the bench four. Receiver Kyle Higashioka, outfielder Brett Gardner and Tauchman should all be heading north.

“What Tyler brings to the table, especially in a bench role, is that he gives you a lot of defensive versatility,” said Boone. “When you talk about second base, it’s elite. It’s a really special line. He has the ability to play short and I like him in the outfield. I feel like in any situation I can throw him into the outfield and it will be special there.

Boone said Wade’s place on the opening day roster depends on “some things still at stake,” perhaps indicating that GM Brian Cashman may be looking to acquire a bench player from the loft. outside the organization. Boone added that he believes Wade “will play an important role for us this season”.

Infielder / outfielder Miguel Andújar (nervous problem in right hand) started hitting a tee again. Boone said Andújar has experienced intermittent pain but seems to be improving. Andújar last appeared in a game on March 10.

Germán will make his fourth and final spring start on Monday as the Yankees conclude their Grapefruit League schedule with a 1:05 p.m. ET show against the Tigers at Steinbrenner Field. Germán is preparing to start the Bombers’ third game of the regular season on April 4.

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