Vidal Nuno Must Go! Exploring Possible Options

Jun 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Vidal Nuno (57) prepares to deliver a pitch against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees’ starting pitcher Vidal Nuno has been struggling all year long, but after getting burned for 8 hits and 8 runs, against an A’s line-up that had also been struggling big time on Sunday, it seems clear to everyone that the Yankees can no longer afford to send Nuno to the hill every fifth day.

Nuno has a record of 1-3 to go along with a ERA of 5.90, and much of the time, has trouble getting past the 4th inning.

After Nuno’s poor showing Sunday, manager Joe Girardi had this to say. “We haven’t made any changes,” So we’ve just got to find a way to get it done.”

(h/t, Brendan Kuty-NJ.com)

The Yankees haven’t made any changes yet but that doesn’t mean that the bosses have not thought about it.

The problem is the Yankees can not just wait for a C.C. Sabathia or Michael Pineda to get healthy and take Nuno’s rotation spot, they need help now.

-HERE ARE A FEW POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS FOR NUNO

1. Bryan Mitchell. Mitchell has a good mid-90’s fastball; and also a good curve ball. he’s got 47 strikeouts in 44.2 innings and did get called up for a day earlier this season, so obviously the front office see’s something in him.

Downside. Mitchell has not pitched all that well this year in the minors, with a hefty 5.11 ERA this season.

2. Adam Warren. Warren looked good starting during spring training with a 1.69 ERA in 5 starts. Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi have not ruled him out as a future starter.

Downside. Warren has been a valuable guy coming out of the bullpen, and it would be a gamble trying to replace him if moved to the rotation.

3. David Huff. Huff has 54 career starts and the Yankees sent Wade Leblanc packing after acquiring Huff from the Giants.

Downside. Huff has not been very good as a starter with a 5.57 ERA in his career in that role.

Final Option.  Wait for CC Sabathia to return, and unfortunately, we all know the downside to that.