The New York Yankees could be on the verge of making an unexpected move with veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco, a former star of the Cleveland Guardians. What initially seemed like a routine minor league invitation has turned into a crucial audition for Carrasco, who now has a legitimate chance to secure a spot on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.
The Yankees’ current pitching situation, plagued by injuries during spring training, has created an opportunity for Carrasco. With Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil sidelined, and Clarke Schmidt dealing with a shoulder injury, the need for depth in the starting rotation is more evident than ever.
Jack Curry of the YES Network reported that Carrasco could earn a spot in the Yankees’ rotation. “With the way [Aaron] Boone has raved about Carrasco’s swing-and-miss stuff, indications are that Carrasco is likely to be in the rotation,” Curry wrote on X. “He has an opt-out on March 22. I see these two sides staying together. Yanks need rotation depth, so it would be unwise to lose Carrasco.”
A veteran in search of redemption
Carrasco’s performance in spring training has been impressive, posting a 2.45 ERA over 11 innings. While the sample size is small, his outings have been enough to catch the attention of the Yankees’ coaching staff and raise expectations about his potential contribution to the team.
Carrasco’s legacy in Cleveland
Affectionately known as “Cookie,” Carrasco spent the first 12 years of his MLB career with the Cleveland Guardians before returning to the team for the 2023 season. Although he was never selected to an All-Star Game, Carrasco was a dominant force between 2014 and 2018, earning a reputation as a reliable starter and a fan favorite in Cleveland.
What’s next for Carrasco and the Yankees?
Carrasco’s situation with the Yankees is a testament to how injuries and opportunities can reshape a player’s career trajectory. Yankees fans will be closely watching the team’s final decision, eager to see if Carrasco can seize this opportunity and make a triumphant return to the big leagues.
The uncertainty surrounding the Yankees’ starting rotation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming MLB season, generating excitement and anticipation among fans. If Carrasco can continue to impress, he might just become a key piece in the Yankees’ quest for success in 2024.