King: Garcia Could Land 5th Spot in Rotation Today

From George A. King III:

And, even though Colon's numbers are better and he is throwing very well, Garcia remains the favorite because he won 12 games last year and logged 157 innings.

Despite the strong spring by Colon, the Yankees aren't sure what he can deliver innings-wise, because he hasn't pitched in a big-league game since 2009 due to arm trouble.

Garcia can exercise a March 29 opt-out if he isn't on the roster; Colon's date is March 31.

Wednesday, Girardi said he didn't need to see any more out of the 34-year-old Garcia during yesterday's minor-league game -- when the righty worked five innings against the Phillies' Triple-A club, allowing a run, four hits and fanning three.

It was an indication that the manager was leaning toward Garcia. And while there was plenty of Yankee brass watching Garcia, Girardi wasn't among them.

He also mentioned that if Garcia does get the job, it doesn't necessarily mean Colon will be released sent to the minors because there's a chance he could work out of the pen for the Yanks to start the season.