Yankees Trade Rumors: Scouts 'Certainly' Seeking SP After Luis Severino Injury

With injuries causing problems in the starting rotation, the New York Yankees "certainly have their scouts on the prowl" looking for pitching help, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The team has reportedly not yet engaged in any trade talks, but it's clear the squad will keep its eyes open for possible options.

Luis Severino will miss the entire 2020 season after Tommy John surgery, while James Paxton will be out the first few months of the season following back surgery. Domingo German was also suspended the first 81 games for violating the league's domestic violence policy.

This has left the pitching staff with few reliable options behind free-agent signing Gerrit Cole. Masahiro Tanaka and J.A. Happ will take two spots in the rotation after up-and-down seasons, but there are no other locks.

Jordan Montgomery should get a chance as a starter, but he's only pitched 31.1 innings over the last two years combined after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Though he has played well in the past, his injury status could make him difficult to trust.

The No. 5 spot could then go to one of Jonathan Loaisiga, Clarke Schmidt, Michael King, Deivi Garcia or Luis Cessa, all high-upside options that haven't yet proved themselves in the majors as starters.

This is a lot of risk for a team that has expectations of contending for a World Series this year.

Instead, the Yankees could look outside the organization for options.

According to Mike Puma and Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, the Yankees have discussed a trade for New York Mets left-hander Steven Matz.