Projected Yankees rotation after injuries lead to shocking, unsettling decision

No team has been hit harder by injuries this spring than the New York Yankees, leaving their Opening Day roster looking drastically different from what was initially expected.

Among all the affected areas, the starting rotation has taken the biggest hit. After signing Max Fried, the Yankees were poised to have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. However, with Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season, Luis Gil out for several months, and Clarke Schmidt set to start the year on the injured list, the rotation has undergone an unexpected overhaul.

As a result, the Yankees will feature several surprising names in their Opening Day rotation, including Carlos Carrasco—a non-roster invitee who has struggled with a 6.18 ERA over his last 41 starts. GM Brian Cashman confirmed Carrasco’s spot, stating that he has “earned the right” to be part of the team.

Given the wave of injuries and Carrasco’s opt-out clause, his inclusion isn’t entirely shocking. However, considering his recent struggles, it’s far from what anyone would have predicted just weeks ago.