New York Yankees reliever Johnny Barbato Showing he Belongs

zimbio

Early on in 2016, the New York Yankees starting pitchers have failed to give the Yankees length. As a matter of fact, only two pitchers, CC Sabathia, and Michael Pineda have given the team more than a five inning start.

On Tuesday night, the Yankees took the field against the reigning American League East champion Toronto Blue Jays. Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka lasted five innings giving up two earned runs and leaving with the Yankees down 2-1.

For a team that is known for its dominant bullpen that consists of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, there is still a question mark as to who is going to pitch the sixth and seventh when the Yankees starters do not have long outings.

Enter Johnny Barbato.

Barbato, a Miami, Florida native made the Yankees roster out of spring training. So far at the big league level, he has shown he belongs. Barbato is being used as a middle man or what some are calling, “the bridge” from the Yankees starters to the back of their bullpen.

In 3.1 innings pitched so far this season, the 23-year old is currently 1-0 and has not allowed a run only giving up one hit.

Barbato has thrown in the upper-90s consistently and has been a reliable relief pitcher for the Yankees.

The Yankees can platoon Barbato with left-hander Chasen Shreve in the middle-innings and make their already great bullpen even better.

Ideally, the Yankees would like to have their starting pitching get more than five innings, but early in the season Barbato has shown he can fill in and provide even more relief depth.