Yankees Replace Marcus Stroman's Mess with Kenta Maeda's Meltdown

Stroman was designated for assignment shortly after the trade deadline. On paper, it's hard to see this as progress or any kind of improvement.

Stroman started nine games this season with a brutal 6.23 ERA, a 1.54 WHIP, and 39 innings pitched. His 66 ERA+ is the lowest of his career, and a clear indication that he was nowhere near league-average effectiveness.

But Maeda hasn't exactly inspired confidence either. Maeda pitched in seven games this season, coughing up a 7.88 ERA with seven earned runs before the Detroit Tigers released him. After that debacle, Maeda landed in Triple-A Iowa, where he managed 12 starts but gave up 38 earned runs in 57 1/3 innings for a 5.97 ERA. That's hardly the profile of someone ready to rescue a rotation that has been in shambles since April.

The Yankees are scrambling for warm bodies after injuries decimated their staff. Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt are out for the season. Luis Gil made his return Sunday after missing most of the season. Depth arms like Will Warren and Cam Schlittler have been forced into action with ERAs near 4.60. Just before the deadline, the Yankees traded Carlos Carrasco to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations.

Replacing Sgtroman's meltdown with Maeda's meltdown isn't exactly the upgrade fans were hoping for. But in a season where nothing has gone to plan, the Yankees seem determined to find out if rock bottom has a basement.