He began the year in the bullpen, posting a 2.45 ERA in eight games. However, after May 6, he was sent to the minor leagues because Yankee manager Billy Martin thought he was not aggressive enough. Used as a starter again for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers of the International League, he made 18 appearances, posting a 9–6 record, a 2.76 ERA, 49 strikeouts, 26 walks, and 109 hits allowed in  innings.
He began the year in the relief role, posting a 2.45 ERA in eight games. Nevertheless, after May 6, he was relegated to the minor leagues because Yankee manager Billy Martin thought he lacked sufficient boldness. Reinstated as a starter for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers of the International League, he made 18 appearances, achieving a 9–6 record, a 2.76 ERA, 49 strikeouts, 26 walks, and 109 hits allowed in innings.