BUFFALO — The Yankees are going to need starting pitching depth and it’s becoming increasingly clear it won’t be coming from Deivi Garcia anytime soon. The 22-year-old right-hander had another rough outing with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, knocked out in the first inning.
Aaron Boone said Wednesday, after watching video of the outing, that Garcia is fine physically and his lack of performance stems from an issue he has been dealing with since spring training: his delivery.
“There’s nothing we know of physically,’’ Boone said Wednesday before the Yankees’ 3-2 win over the Blue Jays. “It seems like he’s a little out of his delivery and a little rushed.”
Garcia’s outing Tuesday included four walks in just one-third of an inning.
“There were some more inconsistent misses,’’ Boone said. “There would be a good pitch and two missed [pitches]. … He just seems a little inconsistent with his delivery. That’s messing with some confidence and conviction and ability to execute pitches consistently. That’s what we saw the last time he pitched for us.”
For now, the Yankees are using Michael King in the spot vacated when Corey Kluber landed on the injured list with a shoulder strain. Kluber is still in the early stages of a throwing program, according to Boone. The Yankees don’t expect him back for at least another month.
Combined with the strained groin Luis Severino suffered in a rehab start in his comeback from Tommy John surgery, the Yankees are thin in the rotation.
One of the organization’s top prospects, Luis Gil, made his debut at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday. He gave up five earned runs on seven hits (two homers) in five innings against the Mets’ Syracuse affiliate. Gil likely needs more seasoning before he’s ready to make the next step to The Bronx.
Giancarlo Stanton did conditioning in the outfield Wednesday, hoping to be ready to play defense by the time the Yankees play in Miami at the end of July.
“I don’t want to see another National League situation when I’m not out there,’’ said Stanton, who was limited to pinch-hitting duties in Philadelphia last weekend as the Yankees protected his left quad.
Boone said Darren O’Day threw a bullpen session Wednesday in his comeback from a right rotator cuff strain. He could get a rehab start this weekend. … Left-hander Justin Wilson, on the IL with a strained right hamstring, is also throwing bullpen sessions and is in line to begin a rehab stint soon. … Ryan LaMarre was reinstated from the IL (hamstring) and outrighted off the major league roster.
Miguel Andujar started a ninth straight game starting in left field, with Clint Frazier on the bench.
Boone made it clear Wednesday that Andujar, who went 1-for-4 and scored a run, will continue to get his chance in left and in the offense, though he was removed for Tyler Wade to start the bottom of the eighth.
“He’s taken advantage of some opportunities and been much more consistent with his at-bats,’’ Boone said. “He’s gotten results the last few weeks and continues to get better defensively. He’s held his own. He could develop into a really good corner outfielder. He’s earned these opportunities and continues to earn more with his performance.”
DJ LeMahieu has hit a bit better of late, and Boone said he’s “getting the barrel on the ball more consistently.”
The Yankees have been waiting all season for the return of LeMahieu’s consistency at the plate.
“I feel it’s slowly been building over the last few weeks,’’ said Boone, who added LeMahieu’s timing has also gotten better.
“That’s certainly a part of it,’’ Boone said. “It’s a huge part of success as a hitter.”
LeMahieu, who went 0-for-3 with a walk, has remained at the top of the lineup despite his slow start. His underperformance there has contributed to the rest of the offense’s issues.
“When he’s going good, he’s a dynamic offensive player,’’ Boone said. “We have to get him going in the summer months.”