One Starter Down Already For Yankees Season Opener In New York

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN UPDATED: The New York Yankees starting rotation is always a revolving question-mark behind Gerrit Cole and maybe pretty reliable lefty, Jordan Montgomery. Will Luis Severino return to form in 2022? How is Jameson Taillon following his ankle surgery? Well, another question-mark presented itself on Thursday.

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According to Dan Martin of the New York Post, Yankee lightning-rod, Domingo German was placed on the 60-day injured list on Thursday with what the Yankees are describing as right shoulder soreness. Martin reported that "Aaron Boone said the right-hander recently began a throwing program after he aggravated the shoulder injury he initially suffered in the latter part of last season throwing on his own in January during the MLB lockout." Hmmm, would this injury have happened if there wasn't a lock-out?

“He’s throwing,’’ the manager told nypost.com. “He’s playing catch. I think [Wednesday] was his second day of throwing, so he has started his throwing, but it’ll be a while.” Apparently the Yankees are optimistic German won’t be out too long and the plan is to use Nester Cortes Jr. in the rotation until German can return.

Martin's report said that the Pinstripes have received positive news on Jameson Taillon, who apparently is ahead of schedule in his return from offseason ankle surgery. Martin also said that Luis Severino looked strong after returning from Tommy John surgery late last season.

The move ultimately made room for newcomer Anthony Rizzo on the 40-roster. According to espn.com, general manager Brian Cashman has traded Luke Voit to the San Diego Padres for 20 year-old minor-league, right-handed pitcher, Justin Lange. The Yankees will open their Grapefruit League season against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Florida on Friday. Hayden Wesneski is scheduled to start for New York against Wil Crowe for Pittsburgh.