The New York Yankees’ starting rotation, which helped propel them to their 41st World Series appearance in 2024, will look drastically different this season. Ace Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, is out after undergoing Tommy John surgery, while left-hander Nestor Cortes was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for closer Devin Williams.
Adding to the team’s pitching troubles, reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will miss at least three months due to a high-grade lat strain. Meanwhile, Marcus Stroman, who struggled so much late last season that he was left off the postseason roster, remains in the mix due to the Yankees’ injury crisis. Additionally, Chase Hampton, the organization’s No. 2 pitching prospect, is sidelined for the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Another Starter Likely to Miss Opening Day
As if that weren’t enough, yet another Yankees starter could be unavailable for the beginning of the season. Clarke Schmidt, the team’s 2017 first-round draft pick (16th overall), was originally slated as the No. 5 starter but has now been bumped up to No. 3 due to the injuries. However, Schmidt has been dealing with back soreness followed by a shoulder issue, which led to him being scratched from a scheduled start last week. He has yet to appear in a spring training game since.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Friday that Schmidt might not be ready for Opening Day, even though the team insists his back and shoulder are now healthy. He remains behind schedule in his throwing program, throwing just 32 pitches in a live batting practice session Thursday.
With the Yankees set to open their season against the Brewers at Yankee Stadium on March 27, Schmidt may stay in Tampa to continue increasing his pitch count rather than leaving the team short-handed.
Bizarre Theory Emerges on Stanton’s Elbow Issues
Meanwhile, a strange new theory has surfaced regarding slugger Giancarlo Stanton’s elbow injuries. The 35-year-old postseason hero is dealing with significant tendon issues in both elbows and has been receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in hopes of avoiding surgery, which could sideline him for the entire season.
Stanton, now in the 11th year of his massive 13-year, $325 million contract, may have suffered the injuries due to a bat switch reportedly recommended by a Yankees staff member last year. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, team doctors find the theory far-fetched, but it is gaining traction nonetheless.
Empire Sports Media’s Alexander Wilson further explained that changing bats mid-season could have altered Stanton’s balance and swing mechanics, potentially putting extra strain on his elbows. Even minor equipment adjustments, Wilson noted, can sometimes lead to serious consequences.
With so many setbacks piling up, the Yankees are facing a challenging start to the 2025 season.
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