The Yankees appear to be getting two critical pieces of their rotation back this week.
LHP James Paxton was activated off the IL on Tuesday, with RHP Joe Harvey being optioned to Triple-A, and will start on Wednesday against the Padres while LHP CC Sabathia appears to be on the horizon as well, with the potential to pitch on Sunday against the Red Sox.
While the Yankees have not announced their rotation beyond Wednesday, here is how it would likely play out with the Red Sox coming to town for a four-game set:
Because Sabathia would not be able to pitch until Sunday, it would push Masahiro Tanaka out of the Red Sox series and into next week. J.A. Happ's turn in the rotation would come on Thursday while Domingo German is slated for Friday, leaving Saturday still to be determined.
The Yankees have used an opener with Chad Green pitching at least the first inning three times in their last 10 games, but have had success doing so, winning each of those games.
David Hale, Chance Adams and Nestor Cortes Jr. were able to provide some length following Green. Adams has since been optioned back to Triple-A, while Hale, Cortes or perhaps Luis Cessa could get the ball Saturday in relief of Green.
Things could get even more interesting next week, too.
Dallas Keuchel could sign with a team once the MLB Amateur Draft begins on Monday and the Yankees have been in the mix. With Luis Severino still not likely to return until after the All-Star break and German likely facing an innings limit in his first full season as a starter, Keuchel is certainly an arm the Yankees could use for the remainder of the season.