Unexpected Opportunity:: Carrasco is starting due to injuries hitting key rotation arms: Gerrit Cole (Tommy John, likely out for year), Luis Gil (lat strain, out until June), and Clarke Schmidt (rotator cuff tendinitis, nearing return).
Mixed Signals:: He impressed in Spring Training (1.69 ERA, 16 IP) after signing a minor league deal but allowed 3 earned runs in 2 innings during a recent relief appearance.
Veteran's Mindset:: Carrasco acknowledges nerves pitching for the Yankees but views this as a 'big chance' to compete and contribute.
Rotation Pressure:: Pre-season rotation strength (Cole, Rodón, Fried, Gil, Schmidt) is now thin, with recent struggles from Carlos Rodón and Max Fried adding to the concerns.
Why this matters:: The Yankees need stability from unexpected sources like Carrasco to navigate these early injuries. His performance directly impacts the team's ability to win games while waiting for key pitchers to return.
The Yankees entered the 2025 season with high hopes for their starting pitching, potentially boasting one of the league's best rotations. However, injuries quickly dismantled those plans. Gerrit Cole's season-ending Tommy John surgery, Luis Gil's extended absence with a lat strain, and Clarke Schmidt's ongoing recovery from rotator cuff tendinitis forced the team to rely on depth pieces sooner than anticipated.
Enter Carlos Carrasco. Signed to a minor league contract in the offseason, the 38-year-old right-hander pitched his way onto the roster with a stellar 1.69 ERA across 16 Grapefruit League innings. While his most recent outing was a shaky relief appearance (2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER), his spring performance earned him this starting opportunity. This comes after a difficult 2023 season with Cleveland where he posted a 5.64 ERA over 103.2 innings.
There's added pressure as Clarke Schmidt is progressing well and could return within weeks, potentially squeezing Carrasco out of a starting role if he falters. Carrasco remains focused, stating, 'I’m just thinking about what I can do at this moment and go from there.'
The rotation's instability, compounded by somewhat shaky starts from Carlos Rodón and expensive free-agent signing Max Fried, puts more pressure on the Yankees' offense and remaining pitchers, including rookie Will Warren. Carrasco's ability to provide effective innings is now paramount for a team needing to weather this early storm.
Q: Why is Carlos Carrasco starting for the Yankees?
He is filling a rotation spot left vacant by injuries to key starters Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt.
Q: How did Carrasco perform in Spring Training?
He had a strong spring, posting a 1.69 ERA over 16 innings pitched.
Q: How old is Carlos Carrasco?
Carlos Carrasco is 38 years old.
The Yankees' pitching depth is facing a significant early test.
Veteran experience is crucial; Carrasco has an unexpected chance to make a big impact.
Keep an eye on Carrasco's performance and Clarke Schmidt's recovery timeline, as these factors will shape the Yankees' rotation in the coming weeks.
Can the veteran Carrasco provide the stability the Yankees need? Let us know your thoughts!
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