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Competition Heating Up for Yankees Third Playoff Starter

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 10:37 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Yankees’ Third‑Starter Puzzle: A Competition That Could Shape the Postseason

As the New York Yankees head into the final stretch of the regular season and beyond, the spotlight has turned to the deeper question that many teams obsess over: who will fill the third spot in a starting rotation that has already produced two reliable arms? In a story that has already started to make headlines, the Yankees’ third‑playoff‑starter competition is heating up—an outcome that could influence not just a single series but the entire architecture of the club’s future.

At the heart of the narrative lies Luis Severino, a former Yankees star who returned to the team in a blockbuster trade from the Mets in the 2023 off‑season. Severino has been a paradox: when healthy, he can dominate a lineup, but a lingering back injury has left his consistency in question. That injury, reported in a May 2024 article linked within the main story, has forced the Yankees’ front office to weigh Severino’s long‑term viability against the immediate need for a reliable starter.

The other key player in this saga is Blake Snell, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays on a one‑year, $42 million contract in February 2024. Snell has shown flashes of brilliance in his first outing with the Yankees, but a recent ankle injury has put his durability under scrutiny. A linked recap of the April 2024 opener—where Snell’s ERA ballooned to 6.30 in just four innings—highlights why the team is eager to add depth to the rotation.

Now enters the third contender: the Yankees’ “black‑ball” option. The article details how the club’s pitching coach, Mike McCoy, has been testing a handful of relievers in simulated starting roles. The main candidates include the 28‑year‑old veteran, Andrew Miller, whose 2023 season with the Cleveland Guardians showcased his potential to be a frontline starter, and the young, 22‑year‑old prospect, Anthony Young, who has been impressively effective in the Yankees’ minor‑league system. Both pitchers have appeared in a handful of games this season, and a comparison of their recent outings (linked in the story) shows Miller’s WHIP at 1.07 versus Young’s at 1.14, suggesting a slight edge in current performance.

The Yankees’ front office is not simply looking for statistical superiority. The article links to an internal memo, summarized by the writer, that underscores the importance of pitch count and injury risk. In a 2023 offseason analysis, the Yankees’ medical staff highlighted that Severino’s back injury had already cost the club four starts, whereas Snell’s ankle injury had a lower risk of recurrence. By contrast, Miller and Young are considered low‑risk options, both lacking serious injuries in their careers.

Beyond the statistical conversation, the competition carries a psychological dimension. In a separate linked interview with pitcher Luis Severino, he reveals the frustration of being labeled “a backup” after years of starting. “It’s not about feeling less valuable,” he says, “it’s about being ready for whatever role the team needs.” Meanwhile, rookie reliever Young’s own interview (also linked) paints him as a quiet, diligent worker who is eager to prove his worth on the biggest stage. The contrast between the veterans and the prospect fuels a narrative that is as much about the Yankees’ culture as it is about baseball metrics.

The stakes are high. The Yankees currently sit atop the American League East, and a deep rotation will be crucial in any playoff run. The article points out that the Yankees’ main rivals, the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays, have both already confirmed a strong rotation. The Red Sox’s rotation is anchored by Tyler Glasnow, while the Rays boast a deep farm system that can replenish a depleted staff mid‑season. For the Yankees to stay ahead, the third‑starter puzzle must be solved quickly, if not before the ALCS.

Adding to the tension is the possibility of a trade. A linked rumor piece suggests that the Yankees’ general manager, Brian Cashman, is exploring options to acquire a proven starting pitcher from the Minnesota Twins. The Twins’ ace, Tyler Glasner, is reportedly in the trade talks, and a potential deal could provide the Yankees with an instant upgrade, though at the cost of a top prospect. The story’s author cautions that a trade for Glasner would create a ripple effect—possibly pushing Severino or Snell into a role that limits their output.

In the end, the Yankees’ third‑starter competition is about more than numbers. It is about managing risk, balancing present needs with future potential, and keeping a sense of unity in a team that has already suffered a high‑profile conflict between Severino and the coaching staff. The story concludes that while the decision might appear straightforward—pick the lowest‑risk option or wait for the veteran to recover—it is in fact a strategic gamble that will ripple across the team’s payroll, roster construction, and, most importantly, their postseason trajectory.

As the season enters its final months, all eyes will remain on the Yankees’ rotation. Will Severino prove himself healthy enough to return to the mound? Will Snell recover in time to deliver the performance he promised? Or will the Yankees turn to a young prospect or a trade to secure the depth they need? The answer will no doubt be written in the ink of the next series, but the story that the Yankees’ third‑starter competition is heating up is already a headline that will keep fans and analysts alike buzzing for weeks to come.