The New York Yankees‘ starting rotation this season has resembled a leaky boat more than a finely tuned engine.
Outside of Max Fried—whose $218 million price tag seems well-earned thanks to a sparkling 2.61 ERA—the rest of the crew has been struggling to keep the ship afloat.
A Rotation Running on Fumes
Carlos Carrasco, once a bright spot in spring training, has been shelled to the tune of a 7.71 ERA, the worst of the bunch. Carlos Rodón, still shaking off rust and expectations, sits at 5.19.
Marcus Stroman has stumbled with a 7.27 ERA, and young Will Warren hasn’t fared much better at 6.00.
That brings the combined ERA (minus Fried) to an unsightly 6.04—more resembling batting practice than big-league pitching.
Help Is (Potentially) on the Way
The Yankees have had to navigate these waters without three of their starters, including ace Gerrit Cole, who’s been shelved until at least partway through 2026.
But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s finally a light flickering at the end of the tunnel.
Clarke Schmidt, who was solid last season with a 2.85 ERA, is nearing a return. After dazzling in his first rehab outing in Double-A last weekend, he’s slated for what could be his final minor league appearance on Thursday—weather permitting.
If that goes smoothly, he could slot back into the Yankees’ rotation as soon as next week, a much-needed jolt for a staff running on fumes.
Luis Gil Close to Throwing Again
Luis Gil is also progressing. Manager Aaron Boone says Gil is expected to begin a throwing program in the next few days—a positive sign that the right-hander is nearly pain-free and on track for a potential return in June.
It’s the kind of incremental win that feels like a lifeline for a team clinging to rotation hope.
The Yankees haven’t had many good rotation headlines this year, but Schmidt and Gil creeping closer to action is something—like spotting dry land after days at sea.