Is Dellin Betances Pitching Too Much?

Jun 1, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Twins defeated the Yankees 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Dellin Betances has been one of the more fun surprises for the Yankees this season, as he has been putting on quite a show, and even has become a crowd favorite. The Yankees have loved what they’ve seen, and although it is tempting to bring him out every game, they have to keep in mind not to overwork him.

It is hard not to give Betances the signal to come out in relief frequently, especially in tight games. After all, the righty is posting an incredible 1.50 ERA. He is a strike out machine, and has perfected freezing hitters on his fastball that is clocked as high as 98 MPH.

What Joe Girardi has to take into consideration, is his pitch count, and how many innings he is throwing as a reliever. Betances currently sits at 42 innings pitched, which is the fourth-most among the relievers in the American League. He also has thrown 652 pitches, which is fifth-most among the league.

Since Betances used to be a starter up until two years ago, he is used to throwing more than a relief pitcher is asked to. Girardi believes that he is being handled properly, and that he will make sure not to over do it with Betances.

"“We have been careful with him and not overworked him, in a sense,” Girardi told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. “He’s not going to throw as many innings as he has in the past.”"

If Betances can continue to put on a show like he has been doing, Girardi seems like he will be just fine with what he can get out of him.