Yankees prospect Will Warren emerges as favorite for fifth starter role
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Follow UsIt might not be exactly how they planned it, but the Yankees appear to have assembled a promising starting rotation. Anchored by Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt, the rotation has steadily taken shape this spring, and one pitcher emerging as a vital component is Will Warren. Warren delivered another strong performance this afternoon, pitching four effective innings in a game the Yankees tied with the Rays, 7-7, in Port Charlotte.
Yankees strike early
The Yankees struck first in the second inning when Ronaldo Hernández plated a run with a sacrifice fly against Rays starter Drew Rasmussen. They doubled their advantage in the third inning, thanks to Jasson Domínguez’s aggressive approach. Swinging at the first pitch, Domínguez lined a triple into the right-center gap, showcasing impressive speed. Domínguez scored moments later on a deep sacrifice fly from Dom Smith, extending the Yankees’ lead to 3-0.
The Rays responded in their half of the third, capitalizing on Chandler Simpson’s speed, yet Warren maintained control of the game. Throughout his four innings, Warren consistently got ahead of hitters, relying on excellent command of his fastball. His effectiveness in inducing groundballs and limiting hard contact, along with four strikeouts, reinforced his strong candidacy for the Yankees’ fifth rotation spot.
While veteran Carlos Carrasco has also pitched well this spring, Warren seems to offer more potential upside, reminiscent of Luis Gil’s emergence last season. Warren’s success will hinge on his continued ability to control at-bats and stay ahead of hitters, a formula that has worked well for him in Florida.
Domínguez continues strong spring
Domínguez continued his productive day in the fifth inning, driving in Ismael Munguia with an opposite-field single and increasing the Yankees’ lead to 4-1. Notably, Domínguez’s success this spring has predominantly come batting from the left side against right-handed pitchers, an encouraging development for the Yankees’ lineup. While opportunities against lefties have been scarce, his effectiveness against right-handed pitching gives the Yankees a reliable offensive option.
Warren returned for the fifth but was quickly pulled after surrendering consecutive singles. Geoff Hartlieb entered and allowed both inherited runners to score, first on a double-play grounder, then on Eloy Jiménez’s two-out single. Jonathan Aranda’s RBI double soon tied the game at 4-4, marking a missed opportunity for Warren to showcase his ability under pressure.
The Yankees quickly retook the lead, manufacturing two runs through disciplined plate appearances, capped by Jorbit Vivas’s go-ahead single and Hernández’s RBI groundout for insurance. Parks Harber added another insurance run with a powerful double in the ninth inning.
However, the Rays rallied dramatically in their final at-bat. Yankees pitcher Leonardo Pestana balked home a run following a leadoff triple and loaded the bases before Edgar Barclay allowed Tres Barrera’s tying single. Barclay escaped further trouble, inducing a fly-out to secure a 7-7 draw.
The Yankees return to action later today, facing the Orioles in a Spring Breakout matchup at 6:05 PM on MLB Network. Tomorrow features split-squad action: Clarke Schmidt will start at home against the Pirates, airing on YES at 1:05 PM, while Brandon Leibrandt takes the mound against the Rays on the road.
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