Yankees facing extremely difficult starting rotation question

Nestor Cortes, although experiencing some volatility, has also been impressive, recording a 3.29 ERA over 65.2 innings with commendable on-base and ground-ball rates. His recent form, including giving up just one unearned run over his last 12 innings, solidifies his case to remain in the starting lineup.

Luis Gil, the 25-year-old rising star, has been particularly compelling, delivering an elite performance against the Seattle Mariners recently with 6.1 innings pitched, only one hit allowed, and eight strikeouts. With an ERA now at 2.11, removing Gil would be counterproductive as he is also on track for an All-Star appearance.

Clarke Schmidt, 28, is another pitcher who has shown considerable improvement, recording a 2.59 ERA with high strikeout rates over 55.2 innings. His ability to efficiently pitch into the later innings, a significant improvement from his earlier seasons, makes him a critical asset to the rotation.

This leaves Marcus Stroman, who, despite signing a recent two-year, $37 million deal and having the third-best ERA on the team at 3.05 over 56 innings, might be considered for a different role given his experience and versatility. However, his veteran presence and leadership make him an unlikely candidate for removal from the rotation.

Strategic Flexibility and Depth as Key Advantages

The Yankees might explore rotating some pitchers to the bullpen to manage workload and ensure everyone stays fresh throughout the season. This strategy could prevent the disruption of their pitchers’ routines, allowing them to focus on specific roles rather than moving between starting and relief positions.

The abundance of talent in the Yankees’ rotation presents both a challenge and a luxury, providing the team with high-quality options and a strong backup plan in case of injuries. As Boone contemplates the best approach, Cortes appears to be the most likely candidate to transition based on the team’s current dynamics, despite his strong performances and recent improvements. This scenario underscores the depth and quality of the Yankees’ pitching staff, a true luxury in the long and grueling MLB season.