Yankees’ Yarbrough to Start Against Athletics as Stroman’s Return Remains Uncertain

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ryan Yarbrough is set to start Sunday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, according to a report by Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. The left-handed pitcher will fill in following the demotion of veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco last week.

Yarbrough has performed well in a swingman role this season, holding a 3.72 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP with 18 strikeouts and nine walks over 19.1 innings. He achieved season highs with 64 pitches in a four-inning outing on May 3.

Next weekend, Yarbrough is expected to make another start when the Yankees face Juan Soto and the Nationals in a Subway Series at Yankee Stadium. His place in the rotation could continue as the Yankees seek stability amid injuries to their pitching staff.

Marcus Stroman’s situation complicates the Yankees’ rotation strategy. The right-hander, sidelined with left knee discomfort, last pitched a simulated game on Friday in Tampa and did not show significant improvement. Manager Aaron Boone expressed concerns about Stroman’s ongoing treatment for the knee, stating, “He just can’t get over that final hump to really allow him to get to that next level on the mound.”

Stroman’s last appearance in a game was on April 11, after which he struggled to find a rhythm. The Yankees had hoped he would recover quickly, but his progress has been slow, contributing to an unsightly 11.57 ERA this season.

As the Yankees deal with injuries to key pitchers, including Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, Yarbrough’s start and potential future appearances are crucial. Boone noted, “He’s getting more and more stretched out,” suggesting that Yarbrough may play a more significant role going forward.

The Yankees must navigate their pitching challenges carefully, especially with postseason aspirations on the line. Boone remains optimistic about Stroman’s future but acknowledges uncertainty as the team continues to assess his condition.