Marcus Stroman isn’t making a strong case for his spot in the Yankees’ rotation.
Manager Aaron Boone is faced with a decision as Lewis Gill is set to return and make his season debut on Sunday.
Gill has been out since spring training due to an injury.
In a recent game against the Rays, Stroman had a significant lead but crumbled, allowing four runs over five innings as the Yankees secured a 7-4 win.
Despite a promising start with a 7-0 advantage, Stroman struggled, giving up four runs in just four innings. The game was delayed by rain in the fifth, and he didn’t return when play resumed.
During his outing, Stroman mentioned, “They started shaking early, and I think I was a bit in the zone in the fourth inning.”
This performance followed a disappointing showing against the Phillies, where he allowed four runs in only 3⅔ innings during a 9-4 loss.
Currently, Stroman’s ERA sits at an unsightly 6.23 over nine starts, with only one outing where he pitched over five innings.
With Gill’s anticipated return, both Stroman and rookie Cam Schlitler appear likely to be bumped from the rotation.
Schlitler might head to Triple-A or the bullpen, which seems more probable. Interestingly, Stroman previously stated during spring training that he wouldn’t pitch from the bullpen. Schlitler’s velocity could be beneficial in a bullpen role, yet he hasn’t quite shown that level of effectiveness as a professional.
On the season, Schlitler has a 4.91 ERA over three MLB starts.
Boone commented, “We haven’t reached those conversations yet,” regarding the potential moves for Stroman or Schlitler.
Mark Leiter Jr., who’s recovering from a stress fracture in his left fibula, threw live batting practice before Thursday’s game, managing about 15-20 pitches against Oswald Peraza and Aaron Judge, who is returning from a right flexor strain.
If Leiter continues to recover well, he could be activated during the Yankees’ upcoming series against the Rangers from Monday to Wednesday, with a rehabilitation game this weekend.
Boone wasted no time integrating Austin Slater, who was recently traded from the White Sox, into the lineup for Thursday’s matchup, playing right field. He went 0-4 but managed a Fielder’s choice.
Slater expressed excitement, saying, “As a child, you’ve always dreamed of playing for the Yankees.”
