Yankees did right thing pulling Domingo German during no-hitter

Though it would have been historically impressive to watch Domingo German throw a no-hitter in his first career start, the Yankees made the correct call giving him the hook after six innings.

For those that are still up in arms that the Yankees pulled Domingo German in the midst of a no-hitter, I get it, but you’re wrong.

If you really feel the need to be upset about something, get angry that Dellin Betances was allowed to pitch more than one inning. Be furious that Jonathan Holder is still on the 25-man roster.

The first pitcher in baseball’s modern era to not allow a hit through six innings while striking out nine batters (eight swinging) in his first career start, German left Sunday afternoon’s contest after 84 pitches.

The 25-year-old German, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, had yet to throw more than 61 pitches in a single game during 11 appearances this season.

Leaving German on the mound heading into the seventh inning would have been a gamble. Pitching on four days rest in place of injured starter Jordan Montgomery, German’s suddenly uber-important right arm isn’t stretched to the point of going any deeper (for now).

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According to Coley Harvey of ESPN, prior the game, the Yankees’ best case scenario involved German going five innings and 70 pitches. Obviously, expectations were exceeded in a big way.

With Montgomery slated to miss the next 6-8 weeks with a left elbow strain, German will be given every opportunity to cement his claim to the No. 5 starting spot.

German’s repertoire consists of a fastball that touches 97 mph, a diving changeup and a curveball that makes the opposition look silly. If he can consistently keep the ball in the zone (two walks on Sunday), there’s no reason not to believe the best is yet to come for German.

It’ll be interesting to see how manager Aaron Boone manipulates his starting rotation in two months time. However, having ample starters is a good problem to have.

For now, German sounds like a seasoned veteran, chomping at the bit for his next start. As he told Newsday through an interpreter:

“When you have all your pitches working, you have a lot of confidence in yourself because you can see that you can do what you want to do out there,” German said. “In a situation like that, you stop paying attention on who is the hitter and concentrate on the pitch. It gives me a better feel and a better result if I can just execute and throw them where I want. It gives me a lot of confidence. It’s a good feeling.”

Next: Andrew Miller back to the Yankees in 2019?

Prior to last July’s non-waiver trade deadline, the Yankees offered German to the Mets for left-handed slugger Jay Bruce. Eventually, the Mets decided to take cash from the Indians instead of the inexperienced German.

Some moves are the best ones not made.