Michael Kay, renowned sports commentator, recently expressed his strong views regarding the New York Yankees’ pitching situation and the potential signing of controversial pitcher Trevor Bauer. With the Yankees’ season opener just days away, concerns are mounting over the health of their pitching staff, particularly Clark Schmidt. Schmidt, who was expected to pitch in one of the Yankees’ spring training games, was scratched due to shoulder issues. Although he successfully threw a bullpen session afterward, Kay highlighted that the Yankees are exercising extreme caution, given Schmidt’s history of injuries, including a significant stint on the sidelines last season.
The Yankees currently face uncertainty in their rotation, especially with ace Gerrit Cole out for the year and Carlos Rodon likely sidelined for several months. This leaves the team short on reliable options, with Schmidt’s health a pivotal concern as they prepare for the upcoming season. Kay pointed out that if Schmidt cannot contribute, the rotation would rely heavily on Marcus Stroman, who was almost traded but is now positioned as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
Amidst this pitching turmoil, the topic of Trevor Bauer’s potential signing emerged. Bauer, who has faced significant backlash and remains unsigned, recently claimed that his political views, particularly his support for Donald Trump, are a reason for his current status. However, Kay dismissed this notion, noting that many players in Major League Baseball hold conservative views. He emphasized that Bauer’s reputation as a teammate and past conflicts, notably with Cole during their time at UCLA, make him a less desirable option for the Yankees.
As the season approaches, the Yankees are in a precarious position with their pitching lineup. With spring training games underway, fans are eager to see how the team navigates these challenges, while Kay remains skeptical about the possibility of Bauer joining the roster. The Yankees are set to start their season this Thursday, and the pressure is on to field a competitive team amidst injury concerns and roster uncertainties.
