Why Yankees are using an opener in Jhony Brito’s likely last outing

TORONTO – For the first time since 2021, the Yankees are trying an opener.

Reliever Jimmy Cordero will start Monday’s game against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, a game that Jhony Brito had been on turn to start.

Barring a roster move before the game – or an injury that the Yankees have not yet announced – it’s likely that Brito will still pitch a bulk of the innings on Monday, especially with the Yankees bullpen being stretched thin lately in the midst of 17 games in 17 days.

Jimmy Cordero will be the opener for the Yankees on May 15, 2023.

One possible explanation for Cordero being tabbed as the opener: The Blue Jays lineup is stacked at the top with a trio of tough right-handed bats in George Springer, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

This season, Cordero has held righties to a slash line of .171/.256/.257 while righties have beaten up Brito for a slash line of .292/.347/.631.

After two strong starts to begin his big-league career, Brito has pitched to an 8.14 ERA over his last six outings, which have spanned 21 innings.

Jhony Brito could still pitch the bulk of the game against the Blue Jays.

He could be headed for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre later this week as Luis Severino is a candidate to come off the injured list as early as Sunday against the Reds.

The last time the Yankees used an opener before Monday was Aug. 11, 2021 when Lucas Luetge started against the Royals.