The New York Yankees have not had the season that many expected, currently sitting in last place in the American League East. Things didn’t get better against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, and a strange decision by Yankees manager Aaron Boone has many questioning him yet again.
Yankees starting pitcher Domingo Germán was originally slotted to start Monday’s game. However, news emerged shortly before the game that he was being scratched from his planned start against Tampa Bay.
Boone spoke about the situation ahead of the game, saying that the organization “didn’t feel like they should risk” having him start the game.
“Domingo Germán had some discomfort in his arm yesterday,” said Boone. “He wasn’t able to do his catch play yesterday. Felt better by the end of the day and felt good today. But we just didn’t feel like we could risk sending him out there.”
"We didn't feel like we could risk sending him out there."
Domingo Germán was a late scratch due to discomfort in his armpit area, Aaron Boone tells the media. pic.twitter.com/dq3QwSXU9h
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 31, 2023
Based on these comments, most would assume that Germán was entirely off-limits in terms of Monday’s game.
That couldn’t be further from the case, as the team surprisingly decided to use Germán in relief after the new starter, Johny Brito, struggled in his start.
Domingo Germán gets loose in the Yankees bullpen. pic.twitter.com/sVx03yITgZ
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 1, 2023
Germán would come in the game out of the bullpen for the first time all season long, and fans certainly thought this was questionable considering he seemingly wasn’t healthy enough to start the game.
The Yankees are a mess, man.
Domingo German was supposed to start tonight but was scratched due to an injury concern. Now, after they get down 5-1 to the Rays, they bring him into the game in relief to work a perfect 1-2-3 inning.
What?!
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) August 1, 2023
Domingo Germán threw 5 scoreless innings in relief. He was deemed unhealthy to start this game.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) August 1, 2023
THE WORST possible thing the Yankees could have done tonight was done by pitching Domingo Germán and having him look good
They should have kept him out because it makes them look a million times worse just plugging him in late when you're behind. Really stupid pic.twitter.com/mywhhcUkT9
— 4 Train Savages (@FourSavages) August 1, 2023
Three no-hit innings for Domingo Germán. Healthiest armpit in the Bronx tonight
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) August 1, 2023
Even if Domingo German is feeling better, isn't it sorta embarrassing to bring him in after his substitute staked the Yankees to a 5-1 deficit through four innings?
— Brendan Kuty 🧟♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) August 1, 2023
Before this game, #Yankees starter Domingo German was scratched and scheduled to meet a doctor before the game. Now he is pitching relief in the fifth. That's one good doctor.
— Roger Rubin (@RogRubin) August 1, 2023
Perhaps the weirdest part about this whole situation is how Germán actually performed once he did come into the game. Despite Aaron Boone deeming him unable to start the game, he certainly starred in relief, throwing five scoreless innings in relief while only allowing two hits.
Despite Germán’s great effort on the mound, the Yankees’ offense couldn’t produce enough offense to make this a competitive game. They went on to lose this game 5-1 after recording only three hits on the day.
It’s unclear exactly why Boone felt like Germán should come into the game in relief instead of starting, but the whole situation shows that the once prestigious Yankees organization is perhaps as unorganized as they have been in years…
