Yankee pitching took a hit last Friday when right-hander Pedro Morales left the game against the Blue Jays early in the 4th inning. He had just surrendered a 395-foot homer to Toronto shortstop Luis Simmons before regroupinig to face Steven "the Spade" Stogner. He was able to get Stogner to ground out to third base, but landed awkwardly off the mound. He was unable to continue and left the game after giving up 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs in 3 and 1/3 innings.
Yankee team physician Dr. Stuart Herson examined Morales over the weekend. An MRI revealed a herniated disk in his lower back. Dr. Hershon told the team not to expect Morales back this season, early October at the earliest.
After a difficult start to 2017 where he lost six of his first seven decisions, Morales has proven to be one of the best arms in the Yankee rotaton. In June he was especially hard on hitters going 2-1 in six starts with a 1.00 ERA in 45.0 innings pitched. That was good enough to be named Pitcher of the Month.
To replace Morales, the Yankees may turn to veteran Henry Nakagawa (4-3, 4.08), young hurler James Caffey (9-9, 4.38) or top prospect David Valentino (3-0, 4.91).
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