MINNEAPOLIS — The Yankees did not acquire Sonny Gray last year at the trade deadline to be an occasional fill-in. An All-Star with the Oakland Athletics in 2015, Gray was expected to be a stalwart of the rotation, not a surplus arm for whom Manager Aaron Boone had to find a spot.
But Gray lost his place in the rotation early last month, reduced to being a long reliever and spot starter. Gray assumed the latter role Tuesday night in a 10-5 loss to Minnesota Twins at Target Field, though his first start since Aug. 25 was less about him and more about Luis Severino.