New York Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone will put the Game 2 of the AL Divisional Series against Tampa Bay Rays in the hands of a rookie right-hander Deivi Garcia.
Boone announced his decision on Monday, adding that Masa Tanaka will get the start Game 3. All-Star Gerrit Cole got the start in the series opener, leading the Yankees to a 3-9 win.
“We deliberated on that a lot over the last several days,” said Boone. “Masa will now go in Game 3. So just like slot, and Deivi in between Cole and Masa was the way we wanted to go.”
Garcia will make history when he steps on the mound, becoming the youngest playoff starter for Yankees in franchise history at 21 years and 140 days. The previous record was held by Whitey Ford who was 21 years and 351 days old when he pitched in Game 4 of the 1950 World Series.
“Super excited,” said Garcia after learning the news. “When they finally told me that I was going to get the ball for Game 2, what can I say? Just so excited about it. At the same time, very thankful for the opportunity, and I will try to go out there and do the best I can.”
Deivi Garcia, who joined the Yankees organization in 2015, has six starts under his belt this season with has 3-2. He currently boasts a 4.98 ERA with 33 strikeouts.
