Another Strong Outing For Betances

Mar 5, 2014; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Spring Training is not about wins and losses. It’s about getting better and stronger each time out. It’s about small victories. Just ask Dellin Betances.

The former top prospect had another stellar performance in the Yankees 3-1 loss to the Blue Jays Sunday. With one out in the seventh inning, and the Yankees down 3-1, Joe Girardi called on the big righty to face the Toronto’s big guns. All Betances did was strike out Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. Not a bad day’s work if you ask me. With the two strikeouts, The former starting pitcher lowered his spring ERA to 0.87. In 10 1/3 innings, he has allowed one run, struck out nine and walked four.

The 6’8  NYC native is battling for a bullpen spot on opening day. Those numbers will certainly help his case. David Robertson, Shawn Kelly and Matt Thornton are all locks for the bullpen. That leaves four open spots and Betances has pitched as well as anyone this spring. It’s not crazy to imagine Betances as a key contributor to the back of the bullpen by mid-season if he keeps this up. Whether the Yankees give the 26-year-old a big league spot right away, or send him to Scranton for more seasoning remains to be seen, but outings like Sunday can only help his cause.