Deivi García, 21, becomes youngest postseason starter in Yankees history
“I think the way he’s pitched, and the way he’s handled himself and handled every situation so far,” Manager Aaron Boone said Monday of what led to his decision. “I felt like I wanted to go this way a couple days ago but wanted to continue to flesh it out because we could. … I don’t worry about him not being able to handle it, mentally, emotionally and all those things, and I know he’s looking forward to it.”
Boone’s confidence in García only lasted one inning, though. J.A. Happ came on to start the second against the Rays, ending García’s night after just 27 pitches. He allowed one run on a solo shot to Tampa Bay left fielder Randy Arozarena, and did not issue a walk or record a strikeout.
García was the fifth-youngest player in AL history to start a postseason game and the youngest player born outside the United States to start an AL playoff game, according to ESPN. The Dominican, who went 3-2 with a 4.98 ERA in six regular season starts, took the hill with the Yankees up 1-0 in the series after a 9-3 victory Monday at San Diego’s Petco Park.
“Super excited,” García said of his reaction to Boone’s decision. “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.”
The decision gives Boone flexibility with his pitching staff during a postseason that has been altered by the novel coronavirus pandemic. There are no traditional days off in the first three rounds, meaning the Yankees and Rays could play five days in a row. Masahiro Tanaka will start Game 3, which meant García was a natural to appear after Gerrit Cole pitched in Game 1. Happ was 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA over his last three regular season starts.
García’s big moment came in a ballpark that is virtually empty because of the pandemic. His family would be “watching in the Dominican Republic,” he said, “and supporting me from over there.”
