Dellin Betances Unlikely To Play In Winter Ball

In what is going to be a make or break season for Dellin Betances as a member of the New York Yankees things are not going as planned. Dellin asked for permission from the Yankees to go to winter ball and keep his arm fresh but, right now anyway, it seems unlikely that Mark Newman, senior vice president of baseball operations, and company will allow Betances to do that in an attempt to keep his arm fresh.

Betances believes that the extra work will help with him repeating his delivery and building on what was a strong 2013 season after being moved to the bullpen. Dellin may have a point as he posted a 6.00 ERA as a starter with the Scranton Railriders with 19 hits allowed, 19 runs allowed, 16 walks, and 25 strike outs in 24 innings. As a reliever Dellin posted a 1.35 ERA with 33 hits allowed, 26 walks, and 83 strikeouts in 60 innings. Dellin says the repetition of pitching every other day rather than every fifth or sixth day is the reason for his performance and confidence.

I can understand not wanting him to pitch all year round but it is not like the Yankees gave him a real shot to earn his spot this September. I can see both sides of the argument but you can limit him in winter ball if you really wanted him to go so I don't know. I just hope this does not effect Dellin in 2014 because he will be relied on heavily after the retirement of Mariano Rivera.