Marcus Stroman entered spring training as one of the biggest question marks in the Yankees’ rotation. After Sunday’s 11-1 loss to the Braves, the skepticism only grew.
Stroman struggled from the outset, allowing a hard-hit line drive for the first out before surrendering back-to-back home runs to Austin Riley and Matt Olson in the first inning. The right-hander, who thrives on generating ground balls, left too many pitches up in the zone and paid the price.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Stroman’s success depends on keeping the ball on the ground. When Atlanta got pitches to hit in the middle of the plate, they didn’t miss.
His second inning was steadier, though he allowed another hard-hit ball, this time to Jarred Kelenic. Jasson Domínguez, often questioned for his defense in left field, made a solid play to record the out.
Stroman returned for the third inning but continued to struggle. He allowed back-to-back doubles that plated another run before manager Aaron Boone pulled him after 2.2 innings and 43 pitches. The Yankees bullpen took over but couldn’t stop Atlanta from piling on.
Yankees’ offense stumbles
The Yankees’ struggles weren’t limited to the mound. A baserunning blunder cost them a run in the second inning when Oswald Peraza hit a ground ball up the middle with runners on first and second. It looked like Oswaldo Cabrera would score, but Pablo Reyes was thrown out at third before Cabrera crossed home plate, nullifying the run.
For a team that struggled on the basepaths last season, this is a trend the Yankees can’t afford to let continue in 2025.
Everson Pereira provided a bright spot, collecting two hits, stealing third, and scoring the Yankees’ lone run on a sacrifice fly. However, the offensive spark wasn’t enough to overcome Atlanta’s relentless attack.
Fans react to Stroman’s struggles
Yankees fans were quick to voice their frustrations. Social media buzzed with criticism, with some calling for Stroman to be traded or moved to the bullpen.
“Too bad. Now we’re stuck with him,” one fan posted. Another sarcastically noted, “So he was throwing BP for Atlanta… nice.”
With an $18 million salary attached to him, some questioned general manager Brian Cashman’s decision-making. “Every day it seems clearer that it’s Cash’s fastball that has lost the most zip!” another user wrote.
What’s next?
The Yankees return to action Monday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Left-hander Max Fried is set to make his spring debut for New York. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. ET.
