A Competitive Edge in Yankees’ Spring Training
The New York Yankees’ spring training has been a mixed bag so far, with injuries and underperformance overshadowing some of the brighter moments. However, one area that has stood out is the intense competition for the final rotation spot. Two unexpected candidates, Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren, have emerged as strong contenders, pitching with a level of urgency and determination that has caught the attention of both the coaching staff and fans.
Carrasco, a seasoned veteran, has been particularly impressive. In his latest outing against the Phillies, he pitched 3 ¹/₃ innings, allowing just one run on two hits and one walk. What was even more notable was his ability to rack up six strikeouts, using four different pitches—a slider, sweeper, sinker, and a changeup. The changeup, in particular, has been a focal point for Carrasco, who has been working tirelessly to perfect it. "It was the one that I was looking for—I got it," Carrasco said, expressing his satisfaction with the progress he’s made. Over 11 spring innings, Carrasco has posted a 2.45 ERA, making a compelling case for himself to secure the fifth starter role.
Manager Aaron Boone has taken notice of Carrasco’s consistency, praising his stuff as "consistently good." Despite his struggles over the past two seasons with the Mets and Guardians, where he posted a 6.18 ERA in 41 starts, Carrasco’s increased four-seam velocity this spring has given the Yankees hope that he can be a reliable innings-eater, especially with injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil.
A Battle for the Fifth Starter Role
Carrasco’s main competition is Will Warren, a promising prospect who has also been shining this spring. Warren, who is set to start on Saturday, boasts a 1.54 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 11 ²/₃ innings. While Carrasco’s experience and recent form give him an edge, Warren’s youth and potential make him a strong contender. The decision is further complicated by contractual factors—Carrasco has an opt-out clause, while Warren could be optioned to the minors if he doesn’t make the rotation.
Boone acknowledged that the Yankees are still "not there yet" in making a decision, but he expressed optimism about the depth of talent in camp. "I feel like a lot of guys to this point [are] forcing us hopefully into some tough decisions," he said, highlighting the competition’s intensity.
Stanton’s Slow Road to Recovery
While the rotation battle has been a bright spot, the Yankees are still waiting for clarity on the status of slugger Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton, who has been sidelined with severe elbow injuries, returned to camp after receiving his third round of PRP shots in New York. However, his return to the field remains uncertain, as he is still unable to swing a bat.
Manager Aaron Boone described Stanton’s progress as incremental, saying, "I think he’s moving the needle." While the hope is that the injections will accelerate healing, tangible signs of improvement are still scarce. Additionally, Stanton is dealing with a minor calf issue, which Boone downplayed, emphasizing that the elbows remain the primary concern.
A Legendary Presence in Camp
Amidst the competition and injury updates, a familiar face brought some nostalgia to Yankees camp. Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre made an appearance, earning a warm ovation from the crowd as he delivered the lineup card before the game. Torre, who led the Yankees to four World Series titles in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was joined by Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who previously served as a coach under Torre. The moment served as a reminder of the rich history and legacy that defines the Yankees organization.
Boone Weighs In on Holmes and Lineup Experiments
Boone also offered some thoughts on former Yankee Clay Holmes, who is set to make his Opening Day start for the Mets. "It sounds like he’s done a great job over there," Boone said. "He’s got great aptitude, great pro, the way he works. The biggest challenge will be the volume and making the 30-plus starts, but good for him." Boone’s comments reflect the respect he has for Holmes, who played a key role in the Yankees’ bullpen before being traded.
Meanwhile, the Yankees continue to experiment with their lineup, particularly in the leadoff spot. Austin Wells, who had been a fixture at the top of the order since February 28, was rested on Friday, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. sliding into the No. 1 spot. Boone admitted he’s still "toying" with the leadoff spot and hinted that he might try a different approach against left-handed pitchers.
Minor Updates and a Final Note
In other news, Oswaldo Cabrera, who missed Thursday’s game due to illness, returned to camp feeling better. His return provides some much-needed depth for the Yankees, who are still navigating the challenges of spring training. As the team inches closer to Opening Day, the focus will remain on finalizing the rotation, getting Stanton healthy, and solidifying the lineup. With under two weeks left in camp, the Yankees are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season.
