Whitley Doing Solid Job In Sabathia’s Absence
May 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher
Chase Whitleythrows a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
When CC Sabathia went on the disabled list two weeks ago with right knee inflammation, the Yankees knew they would need someone to step up in his absence. So far, Chase Whitley has been that guy.
While he hasn’t gone very deep into games thus far, when he has been on the mound, Whitley has made the most of it, allowing only 1 earned run over nine innings pitched. After making his first career start and throwing 4.2 shutout innings against the Mets last week, Whitley looked solid once again in his second career start, working 4.1 innings, allowing one run on six hits and one walk, while throwing 71 pitches in the Yankees’ 4-2 win in 13 innings against the Cubs Wednesday. “I thought again, (Whitley) did a tremendous job,” manager Joe Girardi said to the NY Daily News.
With Sabathia expected to be out until “at least July” according to the Yankees, Whitley will have some pretty big shoes to fill (literally) in his absence. And while it is more than likely the Yankees could try to acquire a starting pitcher between now and then, for now at least, this is Whitley’s time to shine.