Yankees starter Domingo Germán to be placed on restricted list, won’t pitch

New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo Germán “has agreed today to voluntarily submit to inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse” and will be placed on the restricted list while he’s away from the club, according to a statement the team released Wednesday. Germán will not pitch for the Yankees again this season, general manager Brian Cashman told reporters prior to New York’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.

“Domingo Germán is certainly a member of the Yankee family and he is dealing with a very serious issue,” Cashman said. “I think we are going to keep him in our prayers as he takes very important but necessary steps in trying to deal with this problem.”

Germán, 30, has appeared in 20 games this season and started in 19. He pitched a perfect game in an 11-0 win over the Oakland Athletics on June 28, striking out nine batters while throwing 99 pitches. It was the 24th perfect game in MLB history and first since the Seattle Mariners’ Félix Hernández achieved the feat in 2012.

Through 108 2/3 innings pitched this season, Germán posted a 4.56 ERA and 114 strikeouts.

Who steps up in Germán’s place?

With Germán done for the season, the most obvious candidate to take his spot in the rotation is Nestor Cortes, who’s been out for the past two months with a shoulder injury. Cortes is expected back this weekend and could pitch as soon as Saturday. He’ll be on a roughly 60-pitch pitch count because he’s foregoing his last rehab assignment start.

One problem the Yankees face now with Germán’s absence is Luis Severino is still in the rotation. Severino seemed like the obvious candidate to be replaced in the rotation because of his struggles but he’s now likely safe. In fact, Severino is scheduled to pitch Friday against the Houston Astros.

Starting pitching depth has now become a major concern for New York in the final two months of the season. — Kirschner

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(Photo: Vincent Carchietta / USA Today)