Yankees lose Ryan Yarbrough to injury, rookie arm gets second call

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees’ fragile pitching depth took another hit Sunday as the club placed left-hander Ryan Yarbrough on the 15-day injured list with a right oblique strain, just ahead of his scheduled start against the Cincinnati Reds.

And in a swift and subtle pivot, the club turned back to rookie reliever Jayvien Sandridge, recalling him for a second time this month — a move underscoring both trust in internal youth and the desperation brought on by another rotation blow.

The timing of Yarbrough’s injury is troubling. He had quietly become one of the Yankees’ most dependable arms in 2025, anchoring the rotation during a stretch when other veterans stumbled and the IL filled up with familiar names.

Yarbrough’s underrated importance

Yarbrough, 32, had pieced together a quietly impressive campaign in the Bronx. Initially used as a swingman, his value skyrocketed after injuries to Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt.

Since transitioning to the starting rotation in early May, Yarbrough has posted a 3.98 ERA across eight starts, tallying 33 strikeouts in 40 innings. His full season line — 3.90 ERA in 55.1 innings — made him a rare model of consistency in a season marked by chaos for Yankees starters.

“He’s one of those guys who doesn’t draw a lot of attention but gives you exactly what you need,” one Yankees coach said. “It’s a tough break. Obliques can be stubborn.”

Oblique strains have a checkered history in MLB, often sidelining pitchers for several weeks beyond the minimum IL stint. Boone didn’t offer a timeline, but said the club will “be cautious” with the lefty.

Another hole in a threadbare Yankees rotation

Yarbrough’s absence leaves the Yankees with four starters on the IL, a grim tally that includes Cole (elbow), Gil (lat), and Schmidt (shoulder, recently returned). Marcus Stroman is in the midst of a rehab assignment following a knee injury, and JT Brubaker — recently promoted — is still settling into the big-league mix.

The result is a high-wire act for Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake as they try to patch together a viable rotation while the summer schedule ramps up.

“We’ve been through stretches like this before,” said Brubaker, who pitched Saturday. “Guys get hurt, roles shift. You’ve got to be ready.”

Sandridge returns — Quietly but crucially

With the rotation down a man, the Yankees opted to reinforce the bullpen by bringing back Jayvien Sandridge, the promising 24-year-old lefty who had been briefly recalled as a phantom earlier in the week. He didn’t appear in a game before being optioned to make room for Luke Weaver, but the loophole that allows a 10-day return window was triggered by Yarbrough’s injury.

Now, Sandridge gets his second chance — this time with a clearer path to the mound.

“He’s got big-league stuff,” said one Yankees coach. “It’s just about opportunity now.”

Sandridge had impressed in Triple-A Scranton, posting a 2.78 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 32 innings. His mid-90s fastball and sharp slider profile as late-inning material, though the Yankees will likely ease him in as a middle reliever.

What about Yankees’ rotation?

While Sandridge shores up the bullpen, the Yankees still need a starter for Yarbrough’s vacated turn — and they’re expected to tap into one of the hottest arms in the minors.

According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, Allan Winans, who boasts an ERA under 1.00 in Triple-A, is expected to get the call for Monday’s series opener against the Reds. Winans, 29, has been exceptional with his command and pitchability, and this will mark his second big-league stint.

Another tantalizing option, Cam Schlittler, may not be far behind. The Yankees’ high-upside right-hander has been touching 99 mph while dominating Triple-A lineups to the tune of a 2.35 ERA. His last outing lines him up for a Tuesday debut if needed — possibly in a marquee duel with Chase Burns, the Reds’ top prospect and 2024 No. 2 overall pick.

Yankees treading water with deadline looming

While the team remains in solid position in the AL East standings, the latest injury has accelerated discussions about acquiring external help. The Yankees have reportedly shown interest in arms like Tyler Anderson, Jesus Luzardo, and Jack Flaherty, though the cost could be steep with demand across the league already rising.

“There’s definitely urgency,” a team executive told Pinstripes Nation on Sunday. “But we’re not panicking. Our system has some arms — it’s just a matter of timing and health.”

What’s next

The Yankees (47–31) open their series against the Reds on Monday with Winans likely taking the mound. Sandridge is available out of the bullpen and could make his MLB debut this week, depending on usage and matchups.

With Yarbrough sidelined indefinitely, the focus now turns to how far the Yankees’ young arms — and patchwork depth — can carry them before July’s trade deadline forces bigger decisions.

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