Yankees Rotation Crisis Sparks Radical Shake-Up Proposal From Former MLB GM

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 11:59 AM ET

With the New York Yankees’ starting rotation being decimated by injuries already this season, former MLB general manager and current MLB Network Radio analyst Jim Bowden floated a radical solution. He suggested the Yankees move reliever Luke Weaver into the rotation.

On MLB Network Radio's "Power Alley" show Monday morning, Bowden said the Yankees may not have the depth to survive without a creative fix.

"This is not a team that can overcome injuries," Bowden said. "And I suggested, and I know people don't want to hear this, I suggested moving Luke Weaver to the rotation as a possible option. It’s five outings, he hasn't given up a run. I think he can. He could make that adjustment now, I think he's a different pitcher."

The Yankees' starting rotation is without Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) for the year. Luis Gil is not expected back for months after rehabbing a lat strain. The Yankees are hoping that Marcus Stroman can return quickly from inflammation in his right knee, but he also comes back with an ugly 11.57 ERA. Carlos Rodon (5.48 ERA) is still struggling, Will Warren (5.14 ERA) has one good big league start this season and Carlos Carrasco (7.71 ERA) is barely holding on.

Weaver, starting games as recently as 2023, transitioned into a set-up role for the Yankees last season. He has a 5.05 ERA as a starter over his career and a 3.91 as a reliever. He has clearly found something working with Yankees’ pitching guru Matt Blake and has been sharp out of the bullpen, throwing 6 ⅔ scoreless innings in five appearances this season.

He has certainly been more reliable than Devin Williams, whom the Yankees acquired to be the closer this season. When asked if Williams, who has allowed four earned runs over four innings in five appearances, could be trusted to take on more without Weaver backing him up, Bowden didn't hesitate.

"No, I can. I trust him enough to do it," Bowden said. "But who else is going to start? I mean, this is a problem that the Yankees have, so I'm looking for solutions."

Bowden made it clear that it will be nearly impossible for the Yankees to make a trade for a starter at this point in the season.

"It's not like you can just go out and trade for two starters right now," he said. "You can certainly scout Kyle Freeland in Colorado. You can scout German Marquez there. You can scout Cal Quantrill and Sandy Alcantara in Miami. You can scout all you want. You're not making a trade in April. You're not."

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

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