Yankees call up unexpected sixth starter to finish off doubleheader vs Guardians

The weather in Cleveland -- water, not loose bugs -- forced the postponement of Friday night's showdown between the Yankees and Guardians. Perhaps more importantly, it crammed six Yankees games into a five-day span prior to the Bombers' next travel day on Thursday.

This, it seemed, would necessitate the use of a sixth starter during this timeframe. The Yankees announced their fill-in on Friday night and handed him the ball for Game 2 on Saturday. Despite the obvious logic of such a move, as well as the shift getting predicted by beat writers in the morning, it will not shock you that fans still reacted to the news by assuming Luis Gil was injured!

Clarke Schmidt will still pitch the opener -- presumably against Carlos Carrasco of the Guards -- while the nightcap will be handled by 26th man Cody Poteet, the right-hander New York swiped from the Royals' system this offseason.

Maybe Brian Cashman will remember his name this time.

Yankees Pitching Probables vs Cleveland Guardians: Cody Poteet, the floor is yours

It stands to reason that the Yankees' chances of winning both the first two games of this Cleveland series decreased even further after the rainout/pitching probables announcement, but hey, it comes with the territory with a doubleheader. They'll just have to find a way to weather the storm. Gil, until otherwise announced, will likely wrap the set on Sunday before things circle back to Nestor Cortes Jr. on the road in Toronto to kick off next week.

Poteet getting the nod means the Yankees didn't feel quite ready to start Will Warren's clock, especially in cold and windy (and perhaps wet) weather on the road. The team's most prized prospect currently active in the Triple-A rotation, Warren has gotten rocked his first two times out, completing just 4 1/3 innings across two starts with a 12.46 ERA to his name.

Poteet? Armed with slightly more veteran savvy, he has a 2.16 mark in two starts, striking out 12 in 8 1/3 innings with a sterling 0.60 WHIP. The right-hander likely won't be with the big club for a long time, but will look to keep the momentum going and eat some innings in what might turn into a challenge for the bullpen as the day drags on.

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