Judge hails Warren as ‘big piece’ after Yankees’ best rookie night since 2016

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Will Warren has transformed from Yankees rotation uncertainty into a mound cornerstone in weeks. The rookie right-hander delivered a statement performance Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium, which became a milestone in franchise history not seen since 2016.

Warren fanned 10 batters through 5⅔ shutout innings, powering the Yankees to a 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers before 40,000-plus fans. His dominance earned immediate praise from team captain Aaron Judge.

“He’s always had the stuff,” Judge said. “I’ve seen it for years. He’s going to be a big piece for us down the road, and he’s a big piece for us right now.”

Warren’s strikeout total marked the most by any Yankees rookie starter since Chad Green’s 11 in 2016. The performance puts him in elite company alongside Yankee legends like Mariano Rivera, Orlando Hernandez, and Masahiro Tanaka for rookie strikeout achievements.

Rising from struggles to success

The 25-year-old entered Tuesday’s contest with a vastly improved 4.05 ERA. Just three weeks earlier, that figure stood at a concerning 5.65.

May has become Warren’s breakthrough month. His last three starts tell the story: three earned runs allowed across 18 innings with 26 strikeouts and only three walks.

“It’s just execution,” Warren explained afterward. “Sticking with our plan and trusting that I’m here for a reason.”

The Yankees’ rookie pitcher dismantled a Rangers lineup that ranks among MLB’s weakest offensively this season. His command stood out most. He generated 13 swings and misses while consistently inducing weak contact.

Manager Aaron Boone highlighted Warren’s pitch versatility.

“He was ahead all night,” Boone said. “The sinker, the four-seamer, everything was working. I thought he did a really good job with both fastballs, and then he had a little bit of everything going.”

Overcoming early career setbacks

Warren’s path hasn’t been straightforward. Last season produced harsh lessons with a 9.55 ERA across 21.2 innings, ultimately leading to a Triple-A demotion by September.

The right-hander admitted feeling “down in the dumps” after failing to meet personal expectations.

Former pitching coach Graham Johnson provided perspective during this difficult stretch. He encouraged Warren to research the early career statistics of established aces like Gerrit Cole, Jacob deGrom, and Carlos Rodon.

“It was crazy,” Warren recalled. “They all had to figure it out. Because it is different. It doesn’t just click overnight.”

The adjustments have paid dividends. MLB data shows Warren posted May’s second-best strikeout-per-nine rate (12.71) among qualified pitchers, trailing only Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner.

Composed despite under pressure

Tuesday’s outing showcased Warren’s growing poise. After allowing Jonah Heim’s fifth-inning double, he responded by freezing Sam Haggerty with a perfectly placed four-seam fastball.

The sixth inning tested his resolve when Texas loaded the bases via a walk and two soft singles. Warren delivered his 101st pitch – a pinpoint sinker – to strike out Marcus Semien looking.

The stadium erupted as Boone emerged to make a pitching change. Mark Leiter Jr. completed the inning by striking out Joc Pederson.

“We’re seeing another level of execution,” Boone said. “He’s got different ways to beat you now, and he’s putting it all together.”

Mental growth and veteran support

Pitching coach Matt Blake attributes Warren’s development to an improved mindset.

“We keep reiterating, ‘You have the stuff to be an above-average Major League starter.’ You’ve got to believe it,” Blake said.

Blake noted that Warren now attacks hitters directly rather than working around them. Increased curveball and fastball usage against left-handed batters has expanded his arsenal.

Warren credits veteran teammates for guidance, specifically mentioning Paul Goldschmidt, Luke Weaver, and other rotation members.

“This is a good spot,” Warren said. “It’s tough because you have to perform right away. But you’ve got so many resources here.”

Stabilizing the Yankees’ rotation

The Yankees entered 2025 with rotation concerns despite ace Max Fried leading the staff. Warren’s emergence helps address those worries.

His recent three-start stretch against Oakland, Seattle, and Texas hasn’t just improved his statistics – it’s established a formula for consistent success.

Judge, who connected for his shortest home run of the season in Tuesday’s win, praised Warren’s conviction on the mound.

“When you go out there and execute your pitches, good things are gonna happen,” Judge said. “He’s showing that right now.”

What began as a question mark in the Yankees’ rotation has evolved into a potential long-term solution. Tuesday’s performance provided the strongest evidence yet.

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