Opportunity Knocks:: Warren gets the start due to injuries sidelining Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt.
Renewed Confidence:: Warren expresses feeling more assertive and aggressive this year, trusting his pitches more than in 2024 when his ERA ballooned late in the season.
Pitch Mix Refinements:: He has improved his changeup and added a curveball to better combat left-handed hitters and aims to get ahead in counts more consistently.
Spring Performance:: Showcased promise with strong strikeout numbers but finished spring training with a 5.09 ERA over 17.2 innings, highlighting some inconsistencies with command.
Why This Matters:: With several top arms out, Warren's ability to step up and provide quality innings is crucial for the Yankees' early-season pitching stability. His development is a key storyline for the team's depth.
Last season, Will Warren faced challenges at the major league level, seeing his ERA climb over 10.00 in his final outings. However, both Warren and the Yankees believe he has matured from that experience. His focus this spring was on a more confident approach.
> "Last year, sometimes the struggle came when I was like, ‘All right, this guy could handle this, so maybe I need to go away from that.’ I feel like this spring, it was like, ‘Four-seam fastball? Here it is, let’s see what you can do with it.’ I think that’s been the difference-maker,” Warren stated.
While his 5.09 spring ERA reflects some bumps, particularly in his final outing (4 ER in 3.2 IP), Warren's raw stuff remains promising. His sweeper can be a potent weapon, and his sinker induces ground balls when located effectively. The addition of the curveball and refined changeup gives him more tools, especially against lefties.
Teammate Aaron Judge noted Warren's progress:
> "He’s a guy that I feel like every time I see him, every start he continues to get a little better, show something a little new. He’s continuing to gain that confidence... just having the confidence to go out there and trust your stuff and do your thing.”
Facing the Arizona Diamondbacks presents a significant test. Their lineup features disciplined hitters and power threats capable of punishing mistakes. Warren will need to execute his game plan, command his pitches, and keep the Yankees competitive.
This start comes as Aaron Judge was named AL Player of the Week after a blistering start (6-for-11, 4 HR, 11 RBI), indicating the offense is potent. The team also re-signed Dominic Smith to a minor league deal for organizational depth.
Why is Will Warren starting for the Yankees?
Injuries to established starters Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt created an immediate need in the rotation, giving Warren the opportunity.
What improvements has Warren focused on?
He has worked on enhancing his changeup and reintroducing a curveball to diversify his arsenal against left-handers, alongside developing a more aggressive, confident mindset on the mound.
Will Warren represents crucial pitching depth for the injury-plagued Yankees rotation early this season.
His debut against a strong Diamondbacks lineup is a major 'prove it' moment, testing his offseason adjustments and mental fortitude.
Key factors to watch: his command, effectiveness of the refined pitch mix (changeup/curveball), and ability to navigate a challenging batting order.
How do you think Will Warren will perform in his season debut against the Diamondbacks? Can he solidify a spot in the rotation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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