The last time the Yankees used an opener, it didn’t go well. Back on August 15th, Chad Green got the start, but he wouldn’t even last an inning in that role. The right-hander gave up five runs across the six batters he faced as part of that 19-5 loss to the Indians.
After CC Sabathia’s return, the Yankees didn’t need to use an opener. With the veteran southpaw back on the IL, however, the Bombers tasked Green with giving it another go. This time, it couldn’t have gone more smoothly.