TAMPA – A lot had to happen to Carlos Carrasco to get the chance to get the Yankees out of camp.
But it wouldn't have been a problem if the veteran right-hander didn't put together a spring where there was just one start so far.
Carrasco, who turned 38 on Friday, scored a spot in the Yankees' rotation to start the season, appeared to be throwing five shutout innings against the Braves on an efficient 54 pitch at Stein Brenner Field on Wednesday night.
“He's in that mix,” manager Aaron Boone said after Carrasco threw another 16 pitches in the bullpen to accumulate up to 70, “I don't want to talk about it right away, but he did everything he could to give him the opportunity.”
Due to injuries to Gerrit Cole (Tommy John Surgery) and Luis Gil (Lat Strain), as well as Clarke Schmidt (shoulder fatigue) is trending to start the season on the injured list, so he can finish his build-up in Florida.
Carrasco gave up two singles and one walk while attacking the three, but a contract opt-out is looming on Saturday, potentially putting pressure on the Yankees to add him to the roster.
But at this point it appears that Carrasco, up to five spring outings that spanned 16 innings, is posting his ERA to 1.69.
“Listen, I went [through] There are many tough times in my life, so this is nothing,” Carrasco said when asked if he was thinking about opting out. When it comes, I need to worry about it, but for now, no. ”
Carrasco arrived at camp on a minor league contract that worked on his mechanics in the offseason.
The Yankees have also worked with him to improve slots on his arm.
“Really good – I was a little surprised at the same time,” Carrasco said of his stuff. “That really feels good. [have] When I was pitching like I did four or five years ago. I know we had some tough years, but we learned from it. What happened last year? [a 5.64 ERA in 21 starts with the Guardians]I learned this offseason and brought it here. ”
