Yankees general manager Brian Cashman addressed a report that the fastball of pitcher Dellin Betances lacks velocity Monday, calling the reports inaccurate, The Journal News reports.
"The Betances 'Where has his velocity gone?' story is not accurate," Cashman said. "He’s actually averaging a mile (per hour) higher at this time this spring than last spring. If it’s apples to apples, then he’s right where he was last year. Obviously his performance in the spring is different than the arm strength, but the arm strength is not the issue. Just want to make sure everybody knows that."
Cashman has struggled this spring, giving up five earned runs in 6 1/3 innings, and he hasn't held the opposition scoreless in any of his last five appearances. However, he remains in the mix for a late-inning role.
"You just want to make sure it doesn’t affect the confidence," Cashman said. "I’ve been able to at least confirm for myself that he’s very confident, which is good. Spring training is spring training and sample sizes are small. I thought he was much better (in a minor league game on Saturday)."