Yankees Insider Confirms Carrasco Will Stay and Join Rotation

The 38-year-old righty has quietly put together one of the best springs in Yankees camp, posting a 1.69 ERA over 16 innings with 15 strikeouts and just three walks. A week ago, he and top prospect Will Warren appeared locked in a battle for the fifth starter role.

Now, both pitchers will be in the Opening Day rotation, barring an injury or trade.

That's partly due to Clarke Schmidt, who isn't fully built up yet and is expected to open the season on the injured list. With Schmidt, who has had back issues and shoulder fatigue this spring and is unable to give full starter innings out of the gate, Carrasco and Warren become essential.

Carrasco's resurgence couldn't have come at a better time.

After a rough 2023 season with the Mets (6.80 ERA in 90 innings), he was a workhorse for the Guardians last season. His 5.64 ERA wasn't pretty, but the fact he made 21 starts and threw 103 innings is reassuring to a Yankees team that needs a pitcher to eat innings this season.

The Yankees brought him in on a minor-league deal to see if he had anything left in the tank. So far, the answer is a resounding yes.

His fastball velocity is steady in the low 90s, and he’s leaned heavily on his changeup and cutter to keep hitters off balance. More importantly, he’s throwing strikes and staying healthy. Those two things the Yankees desperately need right now.

Saturday marked the opt-out date in Carrasco's minor league contract, but as first reported by Curry, the Yankees now plan to add him to their 40-man roster and keep him in the fold.