New York Yankees pitcher Corey Kluber. Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Boone hopes Yankees will be able to 'lean on' Corey Kluber in big games

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/3/21

The New York Yankees lost their Opening Day matchup to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday with Gerrit Cole on the mound. They'll be looking to get their first win of the 2021 campaign on Saturday, with Corey Kluber set to make his Pinstripes' debut.

Prior to first pitch, Yankees manager Aaron Boone discussed his expectations for Kluber this season, saying he hopes the team will be able to "lean on" him in big games.

"We think he's a guy that we're gonna hopefully be able to lean on in some very big games"

Aaron Boone talks about his expectations for Corey Kluber this season: pic.twitter.com/LVzZ1pSO5B
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) April 3, 2021

Kluber agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal with the Bronx Bombers during the offseason after spending the 2020 campaign with the Texas Rangers. In four Spring Training starts, the 34-year-old went 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA, 1.308 WHIP and 14 strikeouts in 13 innings.

Kluber is New York's second starter behind Cole, with Luis Severino still on the injured list. Domingo German, Jordan Montgomery and Jameson Taillon are behind Kluber in the rotation.

The Yankees face the Blue Jays Saturday and Sunday before hosting the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.

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