Cessa tested positive for COVID-19 and is illustrating mild symptoms, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old is absent for the start of summer training as a result and is self-isolating at home. Cessa will need to be clear of symptoms and produce two negative test results before being cleared to join the team, leaving his status up in the air with less than three weeks until Opening Day. The right-hander is expected to work out of the bullpen for the Yankees once healthy.

Cessa is expected to pitch out of the bullpen this season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa was mentioned by general manager Brian Cashman early in February as a potential starter in the absence of James Paxton (back) and Domingo German (suspension), but manager Aaron Boone indicated Tuesday that Cessa would pitch in relief. With a modest 4.50 career ERA and a 19.3 percent strikeout rate, Cessa probably isn't destined for high-leverage work.

Cessa is in discussions for the Yankees' fifth starter spot to begin the season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With James Paxton (back) and Domingo German (suspension) both out until at least May, the fifth spot in the Yankees rotation is open for competition. Cessa served as an occasional opener for New York in 2019, primarily being used out of the bullpen the 27-year-old recorded a 4.11 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 75:31 K:BB across 81 innings. Nonetheless, in four straight seasons with the Yanks, Cessa has proved to be unafraid of the bright lights and capable of chewing up innings beside a mighty supporting cast in the Yankee bullpen.

Cessa signed a one-year, $895,000 deal with the Yankees on Friday, avoiding arbitration, freelance baseball writer Robert Murray reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa was a solid long reliever and primary pitcher for the Yankees in 2019, delivering a 4.11 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 75:31 K:BB over 81 innings. The 27-year-old figures to fill a low-leverage role again next season, assuming he cracks the season-opening roster.

Cessa is on the Yankees' ALDS roster.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa was decent enough in 81 innings this season, posting a 4.11 ERA and a 21.9 percent strikeout rate. He'll fill a lower-leverage role if lower-leverage innings are needed this series.

Cessa was credited with the save in a three-inning appearance against Toronto on Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out five.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa was brought in with the Yankees leading by five runs in the seventh inning and closed out the win, throwing 30 of 43 pitches for strikes. He gave up a solo home run to Reese McGuire while striking out five of the 12 batters he faced. After shuffling between a starting role and the bullpen during his first three seasons, Cessa has been used exclusively as a reliever in 2019, compiling a 3.70 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 61:21 K:BB over 58.1 innings.

Cessa threw four shutout innings in relief, allowing four hits with no walks and two strikeouts in a no-decision against the Red Sox on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old entered after the Yankees gave up four runs in the first. Cessa didn't pitch long enough to earn the win, but his four scoreless innings were key to the comeback, which the Yankees completed in the seventh. With this performance, the 27-year-old dropped his ERA half a run. Cessa is 0-1 with a 4.61 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 41 innings this season.

Manager Aaron Boone named Cessa and Chance Adams as his main options to cover multiple innings out of the bullpen when opener Stephen Tarpley exits Sunday's game against the Red Sox in London, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Normal rotation members J.A. Happ and CC Sabathia are on hand in relief roles as well, but Boone seems inclined to steer away from the two pitchers in order to preserve them for starts later in the week. As a result, Cessa should be in line for a substantial role out of the bullpen after the Yankees needed seven relief pitchers to cover the final 8.1 innings of Saturday's 17-13 win. Over his last five appearances, Cessa has given up six runs (five earned) while striking out nine in 10 frames.

Cessa won't make his scheduled start Monday against the Orioles due to inclement weather.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa was set to toss the first few innings of Monday's matchup, though he won't get a chance to do so after all. New York will play a doubleheader Wednesday to make up Monday's contest.

Cessa is slated to start Monday's game against the Orioles, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jonathan Loaisiga had been listed as New York's probable starter for Monday, but it's unclear if an injury or a late change of heart by manager Aaron Boone resulted in Cessa getting the nod instead. In any case, Cessa likely won't deployed as a traditional starter, as he's maxed out at 3.1 innings and 61 pitches over his 11 outings. If Loaisiga is in fact available, it's still possible that he covers the bulk of the innings as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen.