We came into this yr with 6 starters. Phelps was relegated to pen work, even though he didn't allow a ST run. Pineda was too good to leave off. So, we had to move Warren to the pen, even though he was a highly successful starter in the minors. Betances was a failed starter in the minors, but with him focusing solely on the stretch and 2 pitches, he's found himself. The rub now is that 3 starters are on the shelf, one for the rest of the yr and another who was lost before being injured in CC. We need starters now, and there is a rumor that the Yankees will stretch out Warren. I think that is complete folly, IMO. Our pen is the reason why we are outperforming our pythag. Yes, our pen ERA isn't stellar, but the guys who are tasked with holding leads have been near perfect. Kelley is coming off the DL shortly and he's been dominant sans his last appearance when he hurt himself. But the depth in the minors is unreal.
Jose Ramirez is a starter who couldn't stay healthy. They moved him to the pen after he hurt himself in ST. He throws near 100mph with a nasty changeup. He's got closer stuff
Danny Burawa has been a reliever all the way. He throws near 100 with a good slider. He's got closer stuff, but has issues with command
Mark Montgomery is a guy who sits 90-94 with the best slider in the system. His K rates through the minors have been insane, although his command can use work too.
Branden Pinder throws high 90s with a wipeout slider that he has found again. He's got closer stuff
Those are the guys at AAA only. They have high end pen arms in their system. So if someone falters, they have more coming