TAMPA — Slowly, the candidates for the fourth and fifth spots in the Yankees’ rotation are dwindling.
Tuesday night Joe Girardi said Adam Warren, who has the most experience in relief among those in the rotation battle, will start the season in the bullpen. With Luis Cessa already sent to the minors, that leaves Luis Severino, Bryan Mitchell, Chad Green and Jordan Montgomery remaining for the two spots — and one of them won’t work until the Yankees need a fifth starter April 16.
“Everyone else is in play. We want to see us go through this turn before we make our decision,’’ Girardi said. “The competition is fairly close. Some guys have pitched better than others.’’
When camp started, pitching coach Larry Rothschild told Warren that his bullpen experience (205 games; 21 starts) could hurt his chances to cop a rotation spot, and it sounded as if that was true.
“He has done such a great job in the bullpen and he is very versatile in the bullpen for us. You can plug him in the seventh and eighth inning and a guy who can come in in the fourth,’’ Girardi said. “He has a lot of versatility and his stuff plays up in the bullpen.’’
According to Girardi, Warren took the news like a pro.“Adam was extremely professional. Now, he didn’t show frustration but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is frustrated,’’ Girardi said. “You put your heart and soul in something and you really want it badly. But Adam is as professional as they get. He was, ‘OK, I am ready.’ That’s Adam Warren.’’
Montgomery gets his third start Wednesday against the Blue Jays in Dunedin. His first two starts have been very good, but the rookie lefty remains a long shot to grab a rotation spot.