Star-powered Yankees pitching staff faces early challenge

The Yankees made a big splash this offseason, signing former San Francisco Giants ace Carlos Rodón to a six-year, $162 million contract. With the addition of Rodón, the Yankees entered spring training with a starting rotation composed of four All-Star arms.

Three of the starters, however, are already battling injuries. 

The team's projected No. 5 starter, Frankie Montas, had shoulder surgery in late February and could miss the season, per the New York Post.

The No. 3 projected starter, All-Star Nestor Cortes, suffered a hamstring injury and missed the World Baseball Classic. It is uncertain whether he will be ready for Opening Day.

As for Rodón, the Yankees placed the two-time All-Star on the injured list with left forearm muscle strain. He will miss at least the beginning of the season. Those three injuries leave ace Gerrit Cole and Luis Severino as the only two healthy Yankee starters. 

Consequently, the Yankees must tap in to their pitching depth early in the season.

Domingo Germán will likely take Montas’ spot in the rotation. Germán threw 72.1 innings last season, struck out 58 and posted a 3.61 ERA. Clarke Schmidt, who pitched primarily out of the bullpen last season, will likely be pushed into the starting rotation to start the season. Matt Krook, 28, who has yet to make his MLB debut, could be another starting option.

In the bullpen, Clay Holmes, Wandy Peralta and Jonathan Loaisiga return, forming one of baseball’s best back threes. 

Michael King had an outstanding 2022 season, striking out 66 and posting a 2.29 ERA in 51 innings. His season was cut short due to a broken elbow in July, but he is back and healthy.

New York re-signed former Yankee Tommy Kahnle in the offseason to help fortify the bullpen, but Kahnle will miss the start of the season with biceps tendinitis. Lou Trivino, whom the Yankees acquired from Oakland at last season's trade deadline, will also miss the start of the season. He has a mild elbow ligament strain.

Ron Marinaccio, the hometown kid, posted a 2.05 ERA in 44 innings last season. With all the Yankee injuries, he should be in line for a bigger role this season.

Greg Weissert, Albert Abreu, Jimmy Cordero, Ian Hamilton, Deivi Garcia and Ryan Weber are other Yankee relievers who likely will spend time with the club in 2023.

The Yankees have pitching depth, but with the mounting injuries, it will be tested earlier than anticipated.