Yankees still have Marcus Stroman-sized rotation problem

New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman has a chance to reestablish himself as part of the rotation.

2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil cut short a bullpen session on Friday due to shoulder discomfort. Gil had been shut down pending the results of an MRI but may not be ready in time for Opening Day.

Enter Stroman. He had been the subject of trade rumors during the offseason as he was seemingly squeezed out of the rotation. Stroman reported to spring training two days late, proclaimed himself a starting pitcher and said that he would not pitch out of the bullpen.

Stroman had his first chance to solidify his place in the Yankees rotation on Sunday. Instead, he struggled against the Braves, allowing four runs on four hits, including back-to-back home runs by third baseman Austin Riley and first baseman Matt Olson, in his 2.2 innings, striking out one. 

Spring training outings have to be viewed with a degree of skepticism. Pitchers are building back up and working on getting ready for Opening Day. However, as Stroman has been an extreme ground-ball pitcher over his career, the home runs are a bit of a red flag.

Although Stroman had a strong start to his first season in pinstripes, he struggled down the stretch, leading to a 4.31 ERA and a 1.468 WHIP over his 154.2 innings. He had a mediocre second half, posting a 5.98 ERA and a 1.772 WHIP in 49.2 innings. His struggles led to a brief exile to the bullpen and may have been a factor in the Yankees signing pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract.

Marcus Stroman has a chance to seize a spot in the Yankees rotation. However, outings such as he had on Sunday will not help his cause.