Yankees skipper on RP Esmil Rogers: 'I believe the stuff is there'

Yankees reliever Esmil Rogers had a rough outing on Friday against the Angels. Rogers entered the contest in the top of the ninth, with the Yankees leading 8-1. 

But, he was unable to retire a batter, allowing five runs on four hits and a walk before getting the hook. The Yankees were able to hang on for the 8-7 win. 

Despite the nightmare outing, manager Joe Girardi is supporting his 29-year-old right-hander.

"I believe the stuff is there," Girardi said Saturday, per the Star-Ledger. "We've seen it. He gets swings and misses, and he can get quick outs, and he has a good fastball, and a good curveball. But his stuff has been inconsistent, and part of that could be not working on a normal basis sometimes as a long man. But you've got to figure out a way to do that and be ready to pitch when you're called upon."

The poor performance on Friday lifted Rogers' ERA from 4.94 to 6.39, though he has struck 8.4 batters per-nine innings this season.