A couple of days ago the Yankees lost one young prospect from their rotation and today they’ve lost another as they optioned Ian Kennedy to triple-A.

The Yankees had high hopes for Kennedy coming into this year, but they certainly knew there was a possibility for growing pains. A 0-2 record and a 8.37 ERA in five starts certainly translates into growing pains. Now he will have an opportunity to work out his problems in the minors where he will be under a smaller microscope.

“I was kind of surprised,” Kennedy said. “But it’s bound to happen if you don’t win, especially here.”

Kennedy was sent down to make room for Darrell Rasner who is replacing Phil Hughes, who is out with a broken rib, in the rotation. With Rasner taking Hughes’ place there is nobody to take Kennedy’s place as of now. That is because the Yankees are planning on going with four starters for most of May thanks to an abundance of off days. They are going to need a fifth on May 10 and there is a possibility that either Kennedy or Kei Igawa will be called up to make that start.

Kennedy’s demotion comes after his latest poor performance against the Detroit Tigers where he went just four and two-thirds innings allowing four runs on five hits and three walks. After the start there was speculation that Kennedy could be sent down when manager Joe Girardi said there were some decisions they needed to make.

“I’m sure there will be more discussions, but we don’t need a fifth starter until May 10,” said Girardi. “So we have some time to make some decisions and talk about what we are going to do.”

Rasner, 27, was 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA in five starts for the Scranton Yankees. In six starts with the Yankees last season he was 1-3 with a 4.01 ERA.

In order to make room for Rasner on the 40-man roster the Yankees moved Brian Bruney, foot injury, to the 60-day DL.