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Yankees Reveal Surprising Rotation Decision After Carlos Carrasco News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 6, 2025 5:31 PM ET

Following their 4-3 loss to the San Diego Padres on Monday, the New York Yankees announced they designated veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco for assignment, calling up reliever Yerry de los Santos in his place.

With star reliever Devin Williams continuing to struggle despite being demoted from the closer role, the Yankees opted to DFA Carrasco and add another arm to their bullpen. Carrasco went 2-2 with a 5.91 ERA in eight starts.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone was questioned on who might replace Carrasco as the Yankees' fifth starter, and Boone responded with a surprising comment.

Boone mentioned that the choices for fifth starter are lefty Ryan Yarbrough and righty Allan Winans. The Yankees signed Yarbrough to a major-league deal on March 24 with the intent to use him as a long reliever or spot starter, but it seems the veteran might get a larger role.

With Carlos Carrasco having been designated for assignment, Aaron Boone mentioned Ryan Yarbrough and Allan Winans among the rotation choices. He also is leaving open the possibility that Carrasco could return.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 6, 2025

Yarbrough has posted a 3.72 ERA in nine games with the Yankees, and made his first start of the season in the Yankees' 3-2 loss to the Rays on May 3rd. Yarbrough threw 64 pitches over four innings, giving up one run and striking out two with three walks.

Winans hasn't appeared in an MLB game this year, but has posted 14 scoreless innings with Triple-A Scranton in four appearances, three of them being starts.

The decision to cut Carrasco may still be temporary, but is a surprising decision with the Yankees already low on rotation options until Luis Gil's return in no less than a month.

The Yankees do have four rest days in the next month, so the decision could be based on an assumption that the rotation will be under less pressure.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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