Manager Aaron Boone announced Saturday that Cessa will begin the season out of the bullpen in a long-relief role, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boone did mention the possibility of utilizing the opener strategy April 1 against the Tigers, and Cessa could be used as the primary pitcher should they go that route. The 26-year-old was in the mix for a rotation spot with Luis Severino (shoulder) and CC Sabathia (knee, chest, suspension) sidelined for the beginning of the season, but Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisiga will be called upon instead. Cessa showcased himself near perfectly in spring training with a 0.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 18:1 K:BB through 17 innings, but will nonetheless start the season in the bullpen.

Cessa will work in relief Tuesday with the Yankees using Chad Green as an opener in his place against the Rays, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa was scheduled to start Tuesday, but Green will get the nod instead as the Yankees give the opener a shot against the team that made the role famous. Cessa should still get in as many innings as needed Tuesday, and remains on track to break camp with a spot in the Yankees' rotation.

Cessa is the leading candidate to open the year as the Yankees' fifth starter, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisiga are more exciting for fantasy purposes, but it is Cessa who has apparently been the most impressive so far in this competition with Luis Severino (shoulder) set to open the year on the injured list. Cessa has a 0.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 13 innings this spring, and tossed four scoreless innings Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Cessa could spend much of the 2019 season in the bullpen, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa primarily developed as a starter in the Yankees' farm system, but he's been used as both a starter and a reliever in the majors. With numerous veteran options ahead of him in the rotation pecking order, it seems like a forgone conclusion that Cessa will spend more time relieving than starting, though injuries certainly can change that outlook. The right-hander produced a 6.50 ERA and a 6.5 K/9 in five starts last season (18 innings), as opposed to a 4.39 ERA and an 8.8 K/9 in 26.2 relief innings.

Cessa (1-4) took the loss against the Red Sox on Sunday, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits while recording only one out. He did not record a strikeout or walk a batter

EDGE Analysis

Cessa threw only 14 pitches to six batters as the Red Sox wasted little time showcasing their aggressiveness. The 26-year-old was unlikely to have an elongated outing regardless as the Yankees opted to use six relievers to get through the blowout, but it's a disappointing performance nonetheless. Cessa finishes the regular season with a 5.24 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 39:13 K:BB over 44.2 major-league innings.

Cessa will start Sunday's game against the Red Sox, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa will take the mound for Game 162 as the Yankees finish the regular season at Fenway Park. The 26-year-old made four starts in the majors this season, allowing 10 runs on 19 hits and seven walks over 17.2 innings. Cessa has thrown more than 50 pitches only once in the last six weeks, so he is unlikely to have a traditional starter's pitch count.

Cessa tossed three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out four, picking up the save Friday against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa came on in the seventh inning after a quality start by Masahiro Tanaka. Cessa managed to finish off the ballgame, sealing a 11-0 victory for the Yankees. He owns a 4.93 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with 31 strikeouts through 38.1 innings this season.

Cessa was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa owns a solid 2.73 across 26.1 innings with the RailRiders, though his 5.34 ERA across 30.1 innings with the Yankees leaves something to be desired. He'll provide bullpen depth down the stretch.

Cessa allowed three hits and a run while recording a three-inning save during Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles. He struck out two and walked one in the 10-3 victory.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa was added to the roster as the 26th man for the twin bill and ended up earning his first career save in unconventional fashion. The 26-year-old has a 5.34 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 30.1 innings with the Yankees this season.

Cessa will serve as the 26th man for Saturday's doubleheader against Baltimore, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cessa will be on call if J.A. Happ or Sonny Gray get chased from their start as a long man out of the bullpen. Across nine appearances (four starts) with the Yankees this year, he's logged a 5.60 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with a 21:11 K:BB over 27.1 innings.