Yankees Facing Tough Roster Decisions With Judge and Gil Set to Return

Brian Cashman got nothing but praise for his trade deadline work. The Yankees GM added defense, versatility and arms. Lots of arms. 

Now the Yankees have to figure out how best to make it all fit together.  After the flurry of deadline deals and an injury list that’s finally thinning, New York is facing a roster crunch that could get messy by the weekend.

Someone has to go before Friday night’s game. 

 The two likeliest bullpen candidates? Lefty Brent Headrick, who still has options, or veteran right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga, who does not.  In 29 relief appearances, he posted a 4.30 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 25 strikeouts over 29.1 innings, and recorded a single save. His recent form isn't encouraging; over the past 15 games, he posted a 5.79 ERA in 14 innings. The Yankees signed him to a one-year $5 million deal with a $5 million team option for next season. 

Whomever survives might not stick around long, either. Mark Leiter Jr. is expected back from the injured list next week, and the bullpen math won’t work forever. Ryan Yarbrough and Fernando Cruz are also expected to return in August, meaning there will be more decisions. 

Then there’s the Aaron Judge question. 

The Yankees say their plan is to activate their captain on Tuesday. If that comes to fruition, it means a position player has to go. Newly acquired Jose Caballero could be designated, but Yankees insider Randy Miller floated the idea that the Yankees might do something more dramatic, like sending Jasson Dominguez back to Triple-A.

And don’t forget Sunday. 

Luis Gil is slated to make his season debut in Miami. The rotation has to lose a body. Most expect Cam Schlittler to be optioned. He's made three solid starts in his first MLB stint, but there's a buzz inside the industry about a bolder possibility.

Could the Yankees consider designating Marcus Stroman for assignment?

Stroman, 33, has struggled. He is on a tight leash when the Yankees start him. His contract isn’t cheap, and if the front office truly believes Schlittler has more upside in the second half, the move wouldn’t be unprecedented.

Roster shuffles are nothing new in August. 

But with so many high-profile pieces returning and little room left to maneuver, the Yankees are facing several high-stakes decisions. A fan favorite could be cut. A promising rookie could be demoted. And a veteran might be on his way out.

Either way, the Yankees can’t keep everyone. And the next week is going to get uncomfortable.