Varta’s Opinion: Moreno Must Stay!

Diego Moreno (AP Photo)

Tuesday night’s wild Yankees’ 21-5 victory over the Texas Rangers was one of great surprise, not only because of the 21 unanswered Yankee runs, but the 5 1/3 inning, hitless performance provided by relief pitcher Diego Moreno.

Moreno, called up hours before the game from Triple-A Scranton, was brought into a situation that seemed to be worthless.  Struggling starter, Chris Capuano, gave up five earned runs in the bottom of the first inning to earn himself the hook from manager Joe Girardi, giving the 28- year old Moreno the chance to prove a worthy asset to the pennant race.

In the first full inning of pitching in the bottom of the second, Moreno was able to retire each of the three batters faced in the inning for a one, two, three.  Moreno showed poise and command when facing a talented offensive arsenal consisting of Adrian Beltre and Mitch Moreland in the middle of that lineup.

The other impressive skill Moreno possesses is the ability to produce a swing and miss, which in today’s modern game has become the norm amongst top pitchers.  Moreno’s ability to strikeout batter’s derives from consist 95 MPH fastballs, solid changeups, and a gruesome slider, which all-fell together last night in each batter faced.

This impressive 5 1/3-inning relief performance by Moreno was more than enough to stay in the bullpen rotation. Only time shall tell as the Yankees designated Capuano for assignment earlier today, leaving a spot open for a pitcher on the roster.