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Yankees Face New Pitching Concern Following Gerrit Cole Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 1:28 PM ET

Former American League wins leader Carlos Carrasco has likely pitched his way onto the New York Yankees’ Opening Day roster.

Luckily for Carrasco, the Yankees arguably need him more than he needs them.

Longtime Yankees reporter Jack Curry posted on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this week that Carrasco’s contract contains a March 22 opt-out clause. The Yankees would have 48 hours to add Carrasco, who turns 38 on Friday, to the 40-man roster.

Curry doesn’t see the Yankees parting ways with Carrasco, who owns a 2.45 ERA across 11 spring innings.

“I see these two sides staying together,” Curry wrote. “Yanks need rotation depth so it would be unwise to lose Carrasco.”

Carrasco’s road to a roster spot became significantly easier in recent weeks. Ace Gerrit Cole already underwent season-ending elbow surgery, and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is out indefinitely with a lat injury.

Carrasco and prospect Will Warren will likely start the year in the Yankees’ rotation. They’d join former Cy Young finalist Carlos Rodón, two-time Atlanta Braves All-Star Max Fried, and veteran Marcus Stroman.

Rodón is the only one who finished last season in the starting rotation.

Clarke Schmidt, who started 19 games between the regular season and playoffs, is recovering from a back injury. Barring a setback, Schmidt should return to the majors in April.

Once a Cleveland Guardians top prospect, Carrasco owns a 110-103 record and a 4.14 ERA in 15 seasons. However, he went a disastrous 6-18 with a 6.18 ERA the last two years.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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