It feels like just days ago we were witnessing history when Domingo Germán threw MLB’s 24th Perfect game. Now, things have taken a turn for the worst.
In what has been a tough season for New York, the Yankees have taken another hit. Just over a month after Germán etched his name in the record books, he made headlines on Wednesday, August 2nd, for voluntarily entering rehab for alcohol abuse. He was placed on the restricted list and will sit out the rest of the season, finishing with a 5-7 record, a 4.56 ERA, and 114 strikeouts across 108.2 innings.
After the news broke, The Wall Street Journal reported that the decision was sparked by an incident in which Germán appeared to be drunk in the Yankee’s clubhouse, getting into arguments with his teammates and Manager Aaron Boone. He also allegedly “flipped a couch” and “smashed a TV”.
Germán last made an appearance on July 31st, when he was initially supposed to start on the mound. He was scratched from this start for armpit discomfort, but then came in relief to pitch 5 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and recording 4 strikeouts.
With the announcement coming nearly two days after this outing, and the report of the altercations in the clubhouse, rumors started to swirl.
Many believe Germán was intoxicated prior to his last game as opposed to having “armpit discomfort”, and that he entered the game when he was sober enough to play. Although this is mere speculation, it would explain why he didn’t start and then went on to throw five innings anyway.
This also brings up the question of his sobriety in other games this season, maybe even the Perfect Game. If this is the case, he could be in for harsh punishment by his team and the league.
Controversy seems to be a recurring trend with Germán. As most people know he was suspended in 2019 for domestic violence. More recently he was suspended ten games this past May for using “sticky stuff” in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He continues to let down the team, and it has not left fans happy.
“The Yankees should really consider their future with Germán. Although I’m wishing the best of luck to him in beating this habit, this is the second time he’s hurt this team at an important time of the season,” said Connor Milton, an Islip Yankee fan.
“In September 2019, and most of the following season, he got suspended for hitting his girlfriend at a CC Sabathia charity event which led to him not playing in the playoffs that year. He was one of the top pitchers in the league that season and him not playing definitely had an impact on that postseason. Flash forward to now being a few games out of the wildcard, he hurts this team once again.”
It is true that despite a terrible season for the Bronx Bombers, they still have a chance to make the playoffs as a wildcard team. Besides Gerrit Cole, the Yankees have had lackluster starting pitching. Guys like Carlos Rodón, Luis Severino, and Nestor Cortes have been injured and all have struggled immensely while healthy. This arguably left Germán as the de facto “number 2” pitcher for New York, even with his average statline this season.
Will the Yankees win their 28th title? Unlikely. What’s for sure is that Germán won’t be a part of it.
Losing him now truly hurts the team as they try to make a near-impossible run for the playoffs.
