After the Yankees broke camp, the starting rotation was put into a fix. Pitchers Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, and Frankie Montas were placed on the injured list before the season had begun. Montas is expected to miss most of the season while Rodon and Severino are expected back soon. However, the show must go on, Clarke Schmidt was slotted behind Gerrit Cole followed by Jhony Brito. Given how successful Brito’s debut was, I believe he could have a role on the Yankees pitching staff.
The Rotation Was Bitten By The Injury Bug Early
Heading into spring training, the Yankees starting rotation was well set. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, and Nestor Cortes were locked in as starters. Meanwhile, Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt would battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. Montas on the other hand was lost for the season before spring training began with shoulder inflammation. Aside from the competition for the fifth spot, other players had very little chance of cracking the rotation.
During spring training, Luis Severino and Carlos Rodon sustained injuries. The injuries were severe enough to warrant them missing the start of the 2023 season. This put the Yankees in an unideal bind right before opening day. In response to the lost players, Clarke Schmidt was named the second starter, Jhony Brito was slotted third, Nestor Cortes would be placed fourth, and Domingo German had the fifth spot. Once considered a top-three rotation heading into the season, the starting staff was now a point of concern.
Enter Johny Brito
Jhony Brito wasn’t a completely unknown pitcher in the Yankees farm system. Heading into the 2023 season, he was ranked the 27th-best prospect in the Yankees system. The Yankees had placed him on their 40-man roster to avoid having him potentially being taken in the rule five draft. In five minor league seasons, and despite missing two seasons due to Tommy John surgery and COVID-19, Brito did well. In those five seasons, the 25-year-old appeared in 86 games making 70 starts going 26-21 with an ERA of 3.71. Brito also registered 344 strikeouts and advanced in the Yankees system every year he played.
As part of the 40-man roster, Brito was allowed to compete in spring training this year. The Puerto Plata, D.R. native had a solid spring. He made four appearances with two starts. He went 2-0 with an ERA of 2.08 to go along with ten strikeouts. At the end of spring training, Brito was optioned to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. However, when Luis Severino was placed on the IL, Brito was called up to the big club to make a start.
A Memorable Debut
Brito would make his debut in the opening series finale against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. While nobody knew what to expect from him, Brito had a debut to remember. He went five innings, only allowing two hits while striking out six and not giving up a run. The Yankees would not only win the game 6-0, but they took the series as well. Brito was also the winning pitcher as well. I assure you the Yankees got more than they bargained for today with Brito’s performance.
Despite a memorable performance, the Yankees sent Jhony Brito back to Scranton/Wilkes Barre to make more roster room. With how well he performed in his debut, it makes one wonder whether Brito can create a role for himself. After all the original fifth starter Montas is out for the year, Clarke Schmidt had a shaky performance in his first start, and Domingo German had a horrible spring. If Schmidt’s struggles continue and German’s spring training issues bleed into the regular season, then Brito deserves a chance.
He’s Ready If Needed
Last year, he saw plenty of time with Wilkes Barre/Scranton and pitched very well for the Railriders. The 25-year-old made 18 appearances with 15 of them being starts. He went 6-2 with an ERA of 3.31 to go along with 53 strikeouts. The tell-tale signs if a player is ready for the big leagues is how they perform in triple-A and spring training. Judging by his performance in triple-A, spring training, and his MLB debut, Brito is ready for more action with the big club.
While you can’t judge a player based on one start and spring training stats; if Schmidt and German don’t improve, then Brito might be worth recalling to the big club. After all, a player doesn’t get better at the big-league level unless he continues to play. While Brito won’t be the third starter, he may be even better not having to deal with that pressure. While Jhony Brito probably won’t be back up anytime soon; the Yankees ought to continue to monitor his progress and think about a possible role for him.
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