Yankees Editorial: The One Positive Takeaway From Opening Day

They didn’t get a quality start out of their ace, they got zero production out of their lineup outside of a Brett Gardner solo home run, but the new arms in the Yankees bullpen delivered the only positive takeaway from their disastrous 6-1 Opening Day loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.

After Masahiro Tanaka was chased after putting the Yankees in an early 5-0 hole after four innings pitched, the newly assembled bullpen only allowed one run and one hit in the final five innings of the game.

Perhaps most impressive was Chris Martin, the 28-year old right-hander out of Arlington, Texas, who struck out Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson in consecutive order in the fifth inning. Interestingly enough, Chris Martin was acquired from the Rockies in a trade for cash considerations over the winter, and is just the second Yankees pitcher to fan every batter he faced in his pinstripes debut. Edwar Ramirez was the first to do so back in 2007.

Chasen Shreve, who was acquired in a trade from the Atlanta Braves as well this winter, gave up the only hit and run on a homer to rookie Devon Travis. He replaced Martin in the sixth inning. Shreve was followed by David Carpenter, Justin Wilson and Esmil Rogers respectively. The only relief pitcher who was less than stellar was Justin Wilson. He was called upon to pitch in the ninth and quickly ran into trouble when he walked the bases loaded. Fortunately, Esmil Rogers was able to rescue Wilson and get the team out of the jam by striking out Bautista looking for the final out of the half inning. Every single reliever other than Esmil Rogers made their Yankees debut on Monday.

Let’s hope their revamped bullpen continues to be a strength for the Yankees over their next 161 games!

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