**Injuries Testing Yankees’ Pitching Depth in Spring Training**
The New York Yankees are facing significant challenges as they navigate Spring Training. Injuries to key pitchers Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil are testing the depth and resilience of their rotation.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the Yankees must rely on new acquisitions and emerging talents to fill the void left by these critical losses. This blog post delves into the current state of the Yankees’ pitching staff, the impact of these injuries, and the potential solutions the team is exploring.
Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil: Major Setbacks
Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace, is grappling with a right elbow injury that has raised concerns about potential surgery. Cole’s discomfort surfaced after a rough outing against the Twins, where he allowed six runs.
The Yankees are seeking additional medical opinions, and Cole is bracing for the worst as he awaits further diagnosis.
Meanwhile, Luis Gil, who played a pivotal role in the Yankees’ success last season, is sidelined with a right lat strain that will keep him out for at least three months.
Gil’s contributions were instrumental in the Yankees clinching the AL East title, and his absence will be keenly felt.
Clarke Schmidt’s Perspective
Right-hander Clarke Schmidt emphasized the unpredictable nature of injuries in sports, highlighting the need for teams to make adjustments.
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*There’s no script for this. In any sport, injuries happen,* Schmidt noted. *You have to make adjustments. There’s no set plan in stone when you show up to Spring Training.*
Max Fried: The New Ace?
In response to these setbacks, the Yankees’ decision to sign left-hander Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract in December appears prescient.
Fried, a two-time National League All-Star, is poised to take on a significant role in the rotation. If Cole is unavailable, Fried is expected to start on Opening Day against the Brewers at Yankee Stadium.
Fried made his Yankees debut against the Pirates and is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session this week.
His presence provides a much-needed boost to the rotation, and the Yankees are optimistic about his ability to step up in Cole’s absence.
Rotation Depth: Rodón and Stroman
Beyond Fried, the Yankees will rely heavily on left-hander Carlos Rodón and right-hander Marcus Stroman.
Rodón is coming off a career-high season with 32 starts and 16 wins. Stroman, whose $18 million salary was a point of contention during offseason trade rumors, now seems like a valuable insurance policy given the current injuries.
Stroman is focused on staying healthy and refining his pitches.
*I’ve been working on a bunch of things, and I feel like they’re starting to click as far as repeatability and pitch shapes. It all starts with my sinker,* Stroman said.
Opportunities for Emerging Talents
With injuries creating gaps in the rotation, younger pitchers like Clarke Schmidt, Will Warren, Allan Winans, and veteran Carlos Carrasco have the chance to step up.
Schmidt, who is recovering from back stiffness, is expected to slot at the back of the rotation. He understands the challenges Gil is facing, having dealt with a similar injury last season.
Will Warren’s Potential
Will Warren, a 25-year-old rookie right-hander, struggled in his initial Major League outings but has shown promise this spring.
Warren has allowed just one run on two hits over eight innings, with 11 strikeouts and two walks. Manager Aaron Boone sees parallels between Warren’s current trajectory and Schmidt’s earlier struggles, noting that Warren’s confidence and command have improved.
*I think the failure from last year, it takes that experience to learn,* Warren said. *I think the mentality has changed a little bit. I’m a little more confident out there, because I do have that experience from last year.*
The Road Ahead
As the Yankees navigate these injuries, they remain confident in their ability to adapt and compete. Boone expressed faith in the depth and quality of the pitching staff. He said, *There’s quality people that we know are capable of stepping in and getting it done. And that will be the expectation.*
The Yankees’ resilience and strategic acquisitions, such as Fried, will be crucial as they aim to overcome these early setbacks and maintain their competitive edge in the AL East. The upcoming season will test their depth and adaptability, but the team is determined to weather the storm and emerge stronger.
For more detailed information on the Yankees’ pitching depth and the challenges they face, visit the full article on MLB.com.
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