Whitley Not Convinced Tanaka Can Be Replaced in the Yankees' Rotation

After watching Hiroki Kuroda, Shane Greene, and David Phelps throw quality starts in the last three games, some Yankees fans are convinced that the six-week loss of Masahiro Tanaka won't end the season after all. 

The aforementioned trio, two of which weren't in the rotation when the year began, have each been great for the Bombers over the last month, giving what is likely a minority group hope that 2014 won't be a forgettable campaign after all. 

Be that as it may, Tanaka's fill-in, Chase Whitley, doesn't agree with their newfound belief, telling the NYDN's Anthony McCarron yesterday that nobody, including himself, can replace the team's ace.

"No one is going to plug that hole," Whitley said. "He's the best in the league, you know? I just hope to go out and pitch. Just pitch and see what happens."

Hopefully when the Yanks' rookie takes the mound against the Orioles tonight he'll do more than just pitch, as the contest is a series-decider.

Still, considering that it's also the Pinstripes' last before the All-Star Break a five-inning outing of no more two allowed runs would likely be enough to get the W, something the club really needs right now, especially since the second-wild-card-spot-holding Mariners fell to the A's earlier this afternoon.