Yankees planning rotation shake up, rookie debut on deck

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Signaling both necessity and potential, the Yankees have pivoted sharply in their pitching strategy. Following Monday’s narrow 4-3 defeat to San Diego, the club designated veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco for assignment, marking a significant shift that could soon introduce a surprising newcomer to the Bronx rotation.

With their record standing at 20-16 and early-season inconsistencies clouding their once-formidable starting staff, the Yankees appear ready to embrace change. Team sources and manager Aaron Boone’s comments suggest that 29-year-old right-hander Allan Winans may get his opportunity, while the Yankees are ready to axe Marcus Stroman.

Carrasco departs, but bullpen is reinforced

The first concrete move came with Carrasco’s designation. The veteran never found his rhythm in pinstripes, posting a modest 2-2 record alongside a concerning 5.91 ERA across eight starts. His frequent early-inning struggles taxed the relief corps, making his removal necessary to create space for bullpen reinforcement Yerry de los Santos.

While Carrasco might not have seen his final day in New York, his departure represents a critical juncture in the Yankees‘ approach to pitching management during this volatile early stretch of their campaign.

Fifth starter puzzle: Boone reveals surprising options

In addressing the rotation vacancy, Boone delivered an unexpected assessment. He identified Ryan Yarbrough and Allan Winans as the primary internal candidates under consideration, both presenting unique possibilities despite certain question marks.

Yarbrough, a left-hander signed for depth in late March, has functioned primarily in relief but started against Tampa Bay on May 3. He delivered a serviceable four-inning performance, surrendering just one run while recording two strikeouts against three walks. His 3.72 ERA across nine appearances offers stability if not dominance.

The more eyebrow-raising mention was Winans, claimed off waivers after struggling with Atlanta last season (7.20 ERA in eight appearances). The right-hander has transformed into a revelation at Triple-A Scranton, throwing 14 consecutive scoreless innings across four outings. This remarkable turnaround has propelled him to the forefront of call-up considerations, especially as Warren continues to falter.

Stroma issue creates urgency

Stroman, 33, arrived in New York during the 2023-24 offseason and was projected to provide reliable middle-rotation stability behind stars Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. Instead, his brief tenure in pinstripes has spiraled dramatically, characterized by alarming statistical regression, health issues, and a problematic contract clause that could potentially burden the franchise with another year of financial commitment they’re increasingly unwilling to bear.

Yankees insider Bryan Hoch, noting the rotation’s “ugly performance,” provided a telling insight: “If the Yankees were to call up a starting pitcher, Allan Winans is next on the depth chart.”

This observation strongly suggests an imminent transition. While Warren might receive another opportunity to demonstrate his value, his margin for error continues to shrink dramatically. This may help him survive at the cost Stroman.

Rotation instability beyond Fried’s excellence

Outside of Max Fried, who has been exceptional with a league-best 1.01 ERA and a perfect 6-0 record, the Yankees’ starting staff has largely underperformed. With Luis Gil still rehabilitating from injury and not expected back for at least four weeks, the team has been forced into creative solutions.

This timeline provides some breathing room before implementing a complete overhaul. The schedule offers four off-days in the coming month, potentially allowing the Yankees to navigate the fifth starter position creatively without rushing prospects or overtaxing unproven arms.

Nevertheless, with Fried dominating while the bullpen requires additional protection due to Williams’ inconsistency and Carrasco’s exit, pressure mounts to stabilize the rotation before losing ground in the competitive AL East.

Winans: Late-blooming possibility

The California-born Winans understands perseverance. After years in the minor leagues, he finally reached the majors in 2023 with mixed results. However, his flawless 2025 Triple-A performance suggests he might be ready for the spotlight.

At 29, his ceiling may not match Warren’s or Gil’s, but his refinement and experience could provide exactly what New York needs during this period of uncertainty.

Should Warren stumble again while Winans excels in a potential spot start, Boone and general manager Brian Cashman may need to reconsider not just the rotation’s back end but their comprehensive pitching depth strategy once Gil returns.

Balancing act in the Bronx

The Yankees find themselves at a pivotal juncture, weighing immediate competitive needs against long-term vision. Carrasco’s departure sends an unmistakable message: performance supersedes pedigree.

With Fried anchoring the staff and Gil’s return on the horizon, New York can afford some experimentation, though within limits. The coming weeks will thoroughly test the Yankees’ pitching depth and determine whether Winans or Warren possesses the capability to step forward and contribute meaningfully.

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