Ex-New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Yankees release disappointing starting pitcher

By Jacob Mountz | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 3:52 PM ET

The New York Yankees added seven impactful players before Thursday's whirlwind trade deadline. But they weren't done making major moves.

On Friday, the team announced the release of 34-year-old starter Marcus Stroman to make room for the influx of three recently acquired bullpen arms. The 11-year MLB veteran had a 6.23 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 39 innings and the lowest strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.63) of his career.

In April, the right-hander was sidelined by knee inflammation, limiting him to nine games this season.

Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Added RHP David Bednar (#53), RHP Jake Bird (#59), RHP Camilo Doval (#75) and INF/OF José Caballero (#72) to the active roster.
• Released RHP Marcus Stroman from the roster.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 1, 2025

Stroman had much to prove this season. After posting a 4.31 ERA last season (his first with the Yankees), he was subject of trade rumors. This seemed to upset Stroman, who made a scene in spring training when asked about potentially losing his spot in the rotation and being moved to the bullpen.

Stroman’s release is a strong endorsement of rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler, the team's No. 3 prospect, per MLB.com. The 24-year-old impressed in the minors this season (2.82 ERA in Class AA and AAA). He got a call-up this season in the wake of injuries to the rotation. In the majors, he has a 4.91 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 14.2 innings.

RHP Luis Gil will assume Stroman’s spot in rotation and make his long-awaited return Sunday. Last season’s AL Rookie of the Year hasn't pitched in a regular-season game in 2025 because of a LAT injury he suffered in spring training.

With Gil's return and the return to health of LHP Ryan Yarbrough (oblique), the Yankees will soon have six rotation options. They'll have help with the bullpen additions of David Bednar (acquired from the Pirates), Jake Bird (acquired from the Rockies) and Camilo Doval (acquired from the Giants). Each is under club control through at least 2026.

Jacob Mountz

Jacob Mountz is an avid baseball enthusiast and New York Yankee fanatic. His work covering the MLB has been featured on Yardbarker, Athlon Sports, FanSided, House That Hank Built and Medium. Jacob thoroughly enjoys Aaron Judge's moonshots and cheeseburgers of all sizes.

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