Yankees Beat Writer Speculates Mike Tauchman Will Be Starting Left Fielder and Sheds Light on Fifth Starter Race

The New York Yankees have a few roster questions remaining due to some Spring Training injures. Losing Luis Severino for the season opens up a spot in the rotation, and Giancarlo Stanton's calf injury creates a need for a new starting outfielder at the start of the year.

Yankees beat writer Brendan Kuty appeared on New York sports talk radio, and revealed he believes Mike Tauchman will get the starting left field job in place of Stanton, which might last deeper into the regular season than initially anticipated.

Kuty goes as far as to say Tauchman should start in left field even in Stanton ends up being ready for Opening Day. His suggestion is to make Stanton a full-time designated hitter (or, at least 80-20).

The reporter also talked about the fifth starting spot in the rotation. Kuty believes Jonathan Loaisiga will win the job over the internal competition, including Michael King, Clarke Schmidt and Deivi Garcia, who need more seasoning. Loaisiga made four starts in 2019, posting a 4.55 ERA in 15 total appearances.

Tauchman starting in left seemed to be a done deal. The notable part of what Kuty said has to do with Loaisiga winning the fifth spot. That would be a huge promotion for the young pitcher, and could set him up to be the next big star in New York in Severino's absence.

He might be able to ultimately provide the team more by airing it out in the 'pen for a few innings, though.