“Arm strength, I’m still not where I want to be, but it’s definitely better than what I was early in the season, and I’m happy where I’m at right now,” he said, adding later, “I’ve got two weeks to get it right.”

Because the minor league season is over, the Yankees had little choice but to continue Betances’ buildup in the major leagues. Betances said he was confident he could still get major league hitters out, despite lower velocities, because of his sharp breaking ball and command.

“We’re hoping it continues to ramp up and gets to that point,” Manager Aaron Boone said. “But we also understand that for as hard a thrower as he is, he’s a guy that part of his dominance is based on the secondary pitches. These are an important couple weeks for him.”

If Betances pitches the way he did in the Yankees’ 6-4 loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday, he certainly has enough to succeed and be a part of the postseason pitching puzzle. He entered the game in the fourth inning after pitcher Jordan Montgomery, who also made his season debut. Montgomery, who had been out since May 1, 2018, after Tommy John surgery, allowed three runs and four hits over two innings.

Betances faced only two batters, a predetermined amount given it was his first time this season with only one day off between outings. Five of his eight pitches were fastballs, all 94 or 95 m.p.h. He struck out catcher Reese McGuire with a fastball placed perfectly on the low outside corner. He fanned first baseman Brandon Drury with his trademark knee-buckling curve. He was greeted with applause and high fives from teammates in the dugout.