Signs point to Yankees dumping Sonny Gray for Lance Lynn in rotation

by Felix Pantaleon

The Yankees plan to decide soon on whether Sonny Gray will remain in their rotation. Gray gave up seven runs in 2.2 innings of work on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 (8/1/18) in a 7-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

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NEW YORK — After every one of Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray’s many bad outings in April, May, June and July, his manager poured on nonstop support in post-game interviews.

On the first day of August, there was no vote of confidence from manager Aaron Boone on Tuesday after Gray was roughed up for seven runs over 2 2/3 innings in a 7-5 Yankees loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

Instead, there was an admission that Gray finally could be booted from the rotation, which seems to be a no-brainer decision because his lousy outing was followed by Lance Lynn working 4 1/3 shutout innings of relief in his Yankees debut.

“We do have some options now, so we will all get together and try and come up with the best solution, the best options going forward that are going to help us win in the end,” Boone said. “That’s what it’s about. We’re not going to be emotional about this now. We will get together and talk about this and see what the best thing is.”

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It’s hard imagining Boone won’t decide that starting Lynn is what’s best for the Yankees.

Gray is 8-8 with a 5.56 ERA in 21 starts, while Lynn is 7-8 with a 4.89 ERA in 21 outings, all but Wednesday’s as a starter.

Lynn, who came over last Monday in a Yankees-Twins trade, has been a standout starter for most of his career. And while his numbers this season with Minnesota don’t look good, his mid-March signing led to a terrible start and then a lot of quality outings from late May on. His ERA in his last 13 outings is 3.50.

Lynn and Gray said all the right things after Wednesday’s game. Both say they’ll willingly do whatever is asked.

“My whole career has been when they tell me to pitch, I go pitch,” Lynn said. “I try not to think about anything except getting whatever hitter is in the box out. If I do that, I’ll be fine.”

Lynn looked good against the Orioles on Wednesday, as he scattered five hits, struck out five and didn’t walk anyone to give his new club a fighting chance at a comeback win.

Meantime, Gray seemed to know a change is coming during his post-game interview.

“At the end of the day, I want them to do whatever is best to help us win, whatever that may be,” Gray said. “Whatever happens, if I get the ball in five days, then I’m going to take it and I’m going to go compete. But if not, then I’m going to be right there doing whatever I’m called upon.”

Following Wednesday’s start, Gray also was called upon to explain why he briefly laughed while walking off the mound after being removed in the third inning with Baltimore leading 6-0. And after that, Gray was caught off guard being asked about an old tweet of his that was discovered Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread on social media.

Tweeting to an African American friend in September 2012, Gray wrote: “You didn’t go to college. 2. You are black. #followdaleaderleaderleader clap clap clap.”

Gray said his message to former Oakland Athletics minor leaguer Rashan Dixon was an “inside joke.”