As the Yankees battled their closest AL East rivals in The Bronx on Monday night, a potential key part of their future took another step in his development, as Deivi Garcia made his first Triple-A start with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Garcia, just promoted from Double-A Trenton, overcame a somewhat sluggish start to finish five innings against Columbus.

He gave up three runs — including a homer — walked one and struck out six.

Omar Minaya, special assistant to Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, watched Garcia’s game Monday. Noah Syndergaard could be a trade candidate.

Widely considered the Yankees’ top prospect, Garcia has drawn comparisons to Pedro Martinez and Marcus Stroman.

The diminutive Garcia didn’t disappoint against improved competition.

Last week, general manager Brian Cashman said on SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio that Garcia was “pushing himself into the mix’’ to join the Yankees’ staff this season.

He could have some company, as Aaron Boone said Jonathan Loaisiga could also be an option “at some point” as he returns from a shoulder injury.

Michael King, the 23-year-old right-hander who has dealt with elbow issues since spring training, made his second rehab outing with the Yankees’ Gulf Coast League team on Monday. He allowed one run in 1 ²/₃ innings.