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Yankees’ Editorial: Chase Whitley Is Still An Option

By Tyler Angelo |

In 2014 the New York Yankees were devastated by injuries, which led to them using numerous starting pitchers. They used a total of 13 starting pitchers and some opened eyes. One of those call up surprises was Chase Whitley who went 4-3 with a 5.23 ERA. Although Whitley was primarily a relief pitcher, he gave the Yankees 12 strong starts and appeared in a total of 75.2 innings during the 2014 season.

In 2015, Whitley had a tremendous Spring in which he battled for the number five spot in the rotation, but despite his 1.17 ERA he lost the competition to Adam Warren. Whitley is now with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as their number four starter.

Paul Sokoloski of Timesleader.com discusses an interview in which Whitley discussed his plan for the 2015 season. In the interview Whitley said,

“It’s just a matter of me getting some innings to start. Last year, when I got called up, I wasn’t ever really stretched out.” It would certainly explain the high ERA that he had in 2014 because in the beginning of games Whitley looked strong and tired out quickly. Later on in the games when he was struggling with energy is when the most amount of damage was done by opposing batters.

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Whitley went on to say:

“My goals are to compete and pitch well. One thing with that is to be consistent. With the best pitchers, you know what you’re going to get every time you’re out there. I strive for consistency. I bring the same effort every day on the mound. I’ve had some success, but I want to have it every time I go out. When you’re striving for something like that, you’ve got to be consistent.”

One of the most impressive things about the 25-year old Whitley is his attitude. He may not boast the most electric stuff, but his strong work-ethic and desire to be the best are what will help him succeed. Whitley is not content with saying he made it to the bigs and did well there. Instead, he is determined to make it back to the bigs and dominate the competition there.

Whitley said, “I proved I can pitch there and proved I can pitch well there. The thing is, I’m here right now and want to continue to get better.”

Beyond his strong work-ethic is his positive attitude. Whitley has not gotten down on himself because he not make the final cut of the big league roster. “I feel like I’m here for a reason – to start. That’s what it’s all about, go out there and be the best you can be every time out,” he said. I believe we will see Whitley again in 2015 because of his determination to make it back to the major league club.

Next: Jacoby Ellsbury Getting A Pass

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