Could Chase Whitley Be The Next Pitcher The Yankees Recall?

Mar 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Chase Whitley (83) pithes during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees have used 20 pitchers so far in the 2014 season. (Yes I’m counting Dean Anna on this). There have been injuries and ineffectiveness throughout the campaign so far, and I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this won’t be the final number of pitchers used this season. I took a look at the AAA roster, and of the guys who are on the 40 man roster, one name stood out to me.

Chase Whitley has performed quite well for Scranton this year. In six games, he’s 3-2 with a 2.49 ERA. In 25.1 innings he’s only given up 20 hits and walked seven. He’s also struck out 32, including 11 in his last start against Indianapolis. He’s started five of his six games. Hitters are only hitting .215 against him.

His stats as a starter are more impressive with just a 1.69 ERA so far.

This is his third year in AAA, and in each of the previous years, he came out the bullpen, which proves he has some versatility to him.

The Yankees don’t have much more depth on the 40 man roster in regards to starters. Bryan Mitchell is recovering from injury. Shane Greene has been treated like a yo-yo between the majors and AAA. Manny Banuelos won’t be coming up anytime soon.

If Whitley keeps performing this well, the Yankees will have a hard time in keeping him down in the minors if a pitcher is needed.