Replacement Starter Chase Whitley Keeps On Rolling

Jun 6, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Chase Whitley (39) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

If you were to ask manager Joe Girardi about one of his surprises from this years pitching staff, he would more than likely mention how impressive Chase Whitley has been. The team didn’t know what to expect from the rookie, but he has become one of the most important contributors to this unexpected rotation.

Since his major league debut on May 15, Whitley is 3-0 with a 2.56 ERA in seven starts. He has been tested in many tough games this year, including last night’s game against the first place Toronto Blue Jays. Whitley came out victorious, and was able to silent the Blue Jays’ bats for the second day in a row. Although he claims he didn’t have his best stuff, he only gave up two runs in five innings, giving the Yankees a chance to win.

Last nights game was also a learning process for Whitley, as he realized that not every outing is going to go the way he wants it to. Regardless, he still finds ways to win. “This is one of the first times I’ve had to bear down and battle without my best stuff,” Whitley told Howie Kussoy of the New York Post. “To come out of that successful still and us get the win, it’s great.”

And indeed he did. Whitley has now established himself as a pitcher that will always give the Yankees a chance to win whenever he takes the mound. It is an exciting time for the rotation, and it will be interesting to watch his performances as the season carries on.