Yankees' Boone could use opener in 2019 with starting rotation ailing

Aaron Boone can envision the New York Yankees using an opener this season.

The second-year manager said he can see scenarios in 2019 where the team might deploy the strategy due to injuries.

"I could see it being something we consider from time to time," Boone said, according to Coley Harvey of ESPN. "I don't see it a lot, but yeah, I could see it coming into play on certain occasions.

"When we're healthy and right, obviously I don't see it much, but there's some days where you could see it."

Boone disclosed his thoughts after announcing that veteran left-hander CC Sabathia is expected to begin the season on the injured list.

"Everything is going pretty well," Boone told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "He had his second 'pen that went well (on Wednesday). I certainly don't expect him for the start of the season. It may be a couple of weeks in if everything keeps going according to plan."

Ace right-hander Luis Severino is also questionable to be ready for Opening Day as he is dealing with an inflamed rotator cuff.

Boone believes that Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisiga could both be in the rotation to begin the year.

"We feel like we have good options, especially in what we're hopeful is not a long-term situation," Boone said. "I would say those are certainly the front-runners for that spot. They've come in here and pitched that way. Their work has supported that."