Yankees Domingo German finished in 2019 as investigation continues

Before the Yankees 4-0 loss to the Rays on Wednesday night, MLB announced they would continue their investigation into the domestic abuse allegations brought forth against Domingo German, officially ending his season.

It’s one thing that the Yankees have lost 30 players (39 stints) to the injured list in 2019; it’s entirely different when one’s absence is due to allegations of domestic abuse.

However, that’s what the Yanks now face, as 27-year-old right-hander Domingo German’s administrative leave will be extended through the World Series, as MLB continues their investigation into what transpired between German and the mother of his two children on Sept. 16.

According to the reports, no police report has been filed; instead, the incident was reported directly to the league, sparking the initial inquiry.

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What was a breakout season for the Dominican-native — having gone 18-4 with a 4.03 ERA, 1.147 WHIP and a 153:39 K:BB ratio across 143 innings, now ends with a stain.

After all, depending on the outcome of Major League Baseball’s findings, German could be looking at lengthy suspension during the 2020 season.

Though German was unlikely to be in the starting rotation for the ALDS, which begins next Friday, the Yankees were going to count on him out of the bullpen. And if they were to reach the ALCS, there was a legit chance manager Aaron Boone would have inserted him as the team’s fourth starter.

Now the Yanks must regroup and decide who their swingman out of the ‘pen will be, as they ready to face, what appears to be the Minnesota Twins.

However, the Yankees do have plenty of options to pick up German’s slack. There is the reliable Chad Green, who in his last 11 outings has a 0.92 ERA while striking out 34 batters in 19.2 innings — holding the opposition to a minuscule .092 BAA.

J.A. Happ, who was recently moved to the bullpen for the remainder of the season, pitched five innings of relief on Wednesday night. The 36-year-old traditional starter scattered five hits and one run while striking out six in the no-decision.

C.C. Sabathia made his first-ever regular-season appearance out of the ‘pen on Tuesday and looked fresh, striking out two of the three men he faced.

And lastly, there is the talented, albeit unproven right arm of Jonathan Loaisiga. Recently, Aaron Boone spoke to Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News, about why he feels Loaisiga has the same makeup as Green and could excel in a similar opener role.

"“He’s very much in that mix, absolutely. You guys have seen him coming off his last outing where when he gets it going, it’s very dynamic,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Wednesday night’s game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. “The fastball-breaking ball combination with him, when he’s commanding it to a certain degree, he’s capable of getting anyone out.”"