Yankees roster set to confront a big problem

Tuesday September 13, 2022

The Yankees roster that now struggles with many stars on the injured list may soon confront another big problem. It has to free space from the active roster as many of those injured are set to return. But with the back-ups performing well in the last few games, the Yankees are set to struggle to select who will remain on its 40-man roster.

Currently, the Yankees roster is without its star Anthony Rizzo, who continues to recover from back pain after having an epidural. LeMahieu is looking to return from a toe injury. Andrew Benintendi has a hamate surgery. Harrison Bader, the deadline-day deal prize, is also eager to start playing for the Yankees.

Matt Carpenter and Luis Severino are progressing in rehab. The Yankees roster has to make place for these along with Aroldis Chapman and Scott Effross who are ready to throw in bullpen sessions.

But this is not enough, as Albert Abreu, Luis Gil, and Stephen Ridings are waiting for their recall. Zack Britton, Miguel Castro, Chad Green, and Michael King add to the list of players who want to regain their places on the Yankees roster.

Now New York faces a dilemma. Who should stay and who should go? They have called up prospects, who have begun to show their MLB mettle. The rookies vs stars battle, which many see a welcome respite for the team, could actually create roster problems that may lead to discontent.

Some of the injured players won’t be seen until 2023 at the earliest. However, many are currently working their way back. Bader, Britton, Castro, Chapman, and Severino are on rehab assignments and doing well. Effross threw a bullpen this weekend, and Rizzo returned to the dugout after his headaches subsided. These players on their comeback spree force the Yankees to face an imminent roster crunch.

There are some options for the Yankees roster to maneuver. They already have a free 40-man spot. With the moving of Albert Abreu to the injured list, there may be another place to fill. No doubt manager Aaron Boone had him for some high-leverage spots but the player won’t force him to rethink. The team may also exercise the option of sending Estevan Florial or Tim Locastro to the RaiRiders, their Triple-A affiliate. This is going to create a place for Anthony Rizzo or Bader on the Yankees roster.

Benintendi, Carpenter, and LeMahieu’s recovery timelines vary. While welcome, they would result in difficult choices and must be acknowledged. Would they demote Oswald Peraza despite his solid performance? Will they remain committed to Isiah Kiner-Falefa? Things look murky and there is no assurance.

Pitching too turns tricky once Severino, Britton, Chapman, and Castro return. The Yankees will need to clear four bullpen spots. But who is going to lose his place on the Yankees roster?

Ryan Weber is the obvious candidate to be cut despite strong outings in his three cameos (one run, six hits in 10.2 innings, zeroes in high-leverage situations, and blowouts). He’s been DFA multiple times this year, only to clear waivers, re-sign with Triple-A Scranton, and return to The Bronx. Greg Weissert would likely be optioned back to Scranton. He has three options left and just a handful of MLB innings. But after those two, the choice is tough.

Clarke Schmidt is another option. Although the Yankees lost his two starts while Nestor Cortes was out, he has been a dominant multi-inning reliever this year. He has a 2.18 ERA and has gone more than one inning 11 times. While not a Michael King replacement, he can bridge the gap to the back of the bullpen when the starter doesn’t go long, eat innings in a blowout, and turn an asset in close games. If Weber and Weissert are sent down, he’ll be the last long-inning reliever in the bullpen.

Ron Marinaccio could be sent down for a veteran arm. They sent him down in July and August because he had options. He’s been a reliable Yankees reliever this year, allowing just nine runs. Since June 1, Marinaccio has allowed two earned runs in 29 innings and held opponents to a .118/.259/.194 slash line. Although his 12.9 BB% is high, he makes up for it with a high strikeout rate (29.9 K%, 41st among 231 relievers with at least 30 innings) and an ability to avoid hard contact (opponents have just a .158 xBA and .253 xSLG against him.

However, he has slowed down giving the Yankees roster the option to farm him out again.

Relievers are less likely to vanish. Lou Trivino has been great since joining the Yankees in the Frankie Montas trade. He has allowed just one earned run in 15 appearances and bailed out the Yankees in high-stakes situations. Since August 14, Jonathan Loaisiga has allowed just one run and held batters to a .125/.167/.125 slash line. Lucas Luetge is also doing well. Wandy Peralta is the team’s most consistent reliever.

Too many players, not enough roster spots may pop up new headaches for the team management. Though the 40-man Yankee roster provides some flexibility to adjust, the issue remains and may affect the pennant race.

What do you think of the Yankees roster problem? Can you make a dream roster and let us know the names here in the comments?