Yankees Pitcher expected to return after concerning rehab start
Marcus Stroman's final rehab start didn't do much to quiet concerns about his return to the New York Yankees rotation. The veteran right-hander, who's been out since April with knee inflammation, gave up 10 hits and 5 earned runs over just 3.2 innings for Double-A Somerset on Tuesday night. He walked two, struck out one, and needed 65 pitches to get through it.
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Yankees manager Aaron Boone had said earlier this week that Stroman would "be in the mix" for the open rotation spot after this start.
But is that really the best idea?
New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus StromanVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Stroman had a rough start to the season before the injury—an 11.57 ERA through three starts—and this outing didn't exactly look like someone ready to turn the page. It was his third rehab start and easily his worst. The Yankees were hoping to see sharper command, fewer hard-hit balls, maybe a little late movement. Instead, they got base runners. A lot of them.
Stroman says he feels healthy. The pitch count is where it needs to be. With Ryan Yarbrough on the injured list, the Yankees have an opening for a starter on Sunday. Allan Winnans had a chance to win it on Monday night and his middling fastball wasn't exactly convincing.
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So, are the Yankees really just going to plug him back in and hope for the best?
This team is already walking a tightrope with its pitching depth, and Stroman has been more of a question mark than a solution since Opening Day.
It's possible the Yankees try to ease him in with a soft matchup, which technically the Athletics could be. If they could get a few good starts out of him, maybe they could package him in a trade deal. While he's changed his tune about being a starter only, he would presumably accept a spot in the bullpen. Either way, Stroman's leash is going to be short. If his stuff doesn't play, they can't afford to wait around.
Related: Could the Yankees Target This Affordable Third Baseman at the Trade Deadline?
Related: With Hank Aaron Behind Him, Aaron Judge Sets Sights on A-Rod
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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