The New York Yankees have made a significant roster move, designating veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco for assignment. This decision signals the end of a rocky chapter for Carrasco and opens the door for other players to step into critical roles.
Struggles on the mound, coupled with a need for greater bullpen depth, seemed to lead the Yankees to this turning point. Additionally, other roster updates, including DJ LeMahieu‘s rehab progression and Scott Effross‘s return to action, add layers to the Yankees’ ever-evolving season.
Why Carlos Carrasco’s Time in Pinstripes Was Cut Short
Once seen as a dependable veteran, Carlos Carrasco’s stint with the Yankees never truly lived up to expectations. The 38-year-old right-hander entered New York’s rotation as an injury replacement but couldn’t rediscover the form that made him a past MLB standout.
Across six starts and two additional outings, Carrasco posted a 2-2 record with a 5.91 ERA—a far cry from what the Yankees needed in a pivotal role. Carrasco’s advanced metrics paint an even bleaker picture.
His fastball velocity sat in the bottom 10th percentile among MLB pitchers, while his chase, whiff, and barrel rates all lagged behind league norms. Taken together, these indicators revealed a pitcher struggling to miss bats and limit hard contact, a risky combination for a playoff-hopeful team like the Yankees.
The Yankees’ Need to Balance the Rotation and Bullpen
Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the team’s growing need for more bullpen support, especially following Carrasco’s continued struggles. Enter Yerry De los Santos, a right-handed reliever who earned his call-up with a stellar performance in Triple-A.
De los Santos posted a 1.74 ERA at the minor league level, making him an appealing option to fortify a bullpen that could see heightened workloads in the coming weeks. Replacing Carrasco’s rotation spot, however, won’t be as straightforward.
With rookies and Triple-A standouts vying for opportunities, the Yankees are testing their organizational depth and hoping someone emerges as a reliable contributor.
Who Will Take Carrasco’s Spot in the Rotation?
While Carrasco’s tenure with the Yankees may have ended for now, the team must address his vacant rotation spot. Several intriguing candidates are in the mix, each with unique strengths and challenges.
- Ryan Yarbrough: The lefty boasts a 3.72 ERA across nine appearances this season. While not overwhelming, his steady performances provide a degree of reliability the Yankees may covet.
- Allan Winans: A rising star in Triple-A, Winans has yet to allow a run at that level, showcasing tremendous control and poise. His inexperience in the majors, however, remains a question mark.
- Will Warren: The rookie has shown flashes of potential with his strikeout ability. However, his 5.65 ERA indicates he’s still adjusting to the demands of big-league hitters.
For now, the Yankees will evaluate their current options and determine who’s best suited to solidify the back end of their rotation.
Other Key Yankees Roster Updates
Aside from Carrasco’s departure, the Yankees announced two notable updates involving injured players. DJ LeMahieu’s rehab has progressed to Triple-A, marking a crucial step in his journey back to the big leagues.
The veteran infielder could add stability and depth to the Yankees’ lineup if fully healthy. Additionally, reliever Scott Effross has begun a rehab assignment in Florida.
His potential return to the bullpen could provide valuable experience and skill to a group that will need to shoulder additional responsibility in the coming weeks.
Conclusion: Yankees Enter a Pivotal Stretch
The Yankees’ decision to move on from Carlos Carrasco underscores their commitment to turning the 2023 campaign into a success. While it’s never easy to part ways with a veteran, the team’s pitching needs and Carrasco’s declining metrics left little choice.
For manager Aaron Boone and the front office, the priority now becomes identifying in-house options who can step up and contribute. Meanwhile, the progress of DJ LeMahieu and Scott Effross could help shore up other areas of the roster.
With a mix of veterans, rookies, and promising prospects, the Yankees are entering a pivotal stretch where every roster move could have a long-term impact. Fans will watch eagerly as the team navigates these decisions.
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees cut veteran Carlos Carrasco. Who will join rotation?
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s