Marcus Stroman’s Injury and Impact on the Yankees Rotation
Marcus Stroman, who had a chance to prove the New York Yankees wrong after they signed Max Fried in the offseason, has not capitalized on his opportunity. The Yankees were initially planning to trade Stroman or use him as a bullpen option. However, due to injuries to key pitchers Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, Stroman found himself in the starting rotation. Unfortunately, his performance has been lackluster.
Stroman struggled in his first two starts of the 2025 season, allowing seven runs in 8.2 innings. In his most recent outing against the San Francisco Giants, he couldn’t make it past the second inning. He walked three batters and allowed a three-run homer. The Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, pulled Stroman after just two outs, as his performance was dismal. The weather conditions were harsh, but Stroman’s struggles were in stark contrast to Robbie Ray’s solid performance in the same conditions.
To make matters worse, Stroman was sent for X-rays on his left knee, which had been bothering him during the game. The results are still unknown, but the injury raises doubts about his future in the rotation. This could prompt a shake-up in the Yankees’ pitching staff, and Clarke Schmidt is seen as the most likely candidate to take Stroman’s spot. Schmidt has been impressive in his recent rehab starts and could provide an immediate upgrade.
Even with Schmidt in the rotation, the Yankees’ pitching staff remains a concern. The team’s starting pitchers have posted a 5.46 ERA, the worst in Major League Baseball. Max Fried is the only pitcher with a sub-5.00 ERA, and the rest of the rotation, including Carlos Rodon, Will Warren, and Carlos Carrasco, needs to step up for the team to succeed.
The Yankees’ struggles on the mound have raised questions about their depth and preparedness. While they are hoping for better performances from the injured pitchers, the reality of their rotation issues is starting to set in. The team now faces the challenge of turning things around before their pitching staff continues to hold them back.
