The New York Yankees continue to run into injury obstacles this spring training. Starting pitcher Luis Gil was the most recent player sidelined due to a possible injury. This occurrence shines more light on Marcus Stroman, who appears to be the next man up in the rotation.
Spring training is a delicate time of year. Players have been preparing in the offseason by strength and performance training, along with recovery. They’ve prepared their bodies to withstand the pressure they’re about to face.
When back on the baseball field, the consistency and intensity of throwing a ball is still new, regardless of what that offseason looked like for that player. Gil’s encounter was not exactly confirmed as an injury, but more so a discomfort.
Yankees left holding their breath in Luis Gil injury scare https://t.co/Xb76BjzbtA pic.twitter.com/RM66peuXzU
— New York Post (@nypost) February 28, 2025
The issue is this specific discomfort is tightness in his shoulder. This is never a good sign, and you can guarantee that only time will tell with such an issue. That being said, we’re looking at time lost for Gil.
That very well could mean the Yankees divert attention to Stroman. Initially appearing to be the odd man out, now he looks to be the go-to if Gil misses extended time.
Marcus Stroman Looks to Be Gil’s Replacement in Yankees Rotation
Gil will go for an MRI to investigate his recent discomfort. The Yankees are expecting he will lose time, and he may even not be ready for Opening Day. This would create a temporary hole in the Yankees’ rotation.
The current rotation would be set up as follows: Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Max Fried, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. Stroman was left out in this arrangement. His role, if he remained in pinstripes, was going to be out of the bullpen.
Stroman was going to assume the role of a long-man reliever, or even a short relief before the set-up man. Either way, his job was coming out of the ‘pen and not in the rotation. The Yankees organization was not impressed with him last season and had multiple options in mind.
Aaron Boone and Matt Blake look on as Marcus Stroman throws pic.twitter.com/Zesci5Wtr5
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 15, 2025
Stroman is originally a starter and has been his entire career. His career numbers are very reputable and established, but his track record on a character scale is a hard one to swallow.
The right-hander obviously does not see himself as a reliever or anything less than a starter. This possible opportunity in that role will allow him to change the perspective of his employer. It’ll give him the opportunity to perform, hopefully at a high level where the numbers are not a question. It will also allow him to regain the Yankees’ trust. However, this could also be the showcase that confirms the organization’s reservations against Stroman.
Stroman Trade Talks Hit the Back Burner
The Yankees had high hopes of shipping Stroman out of the Bronx. They soured on him after his performance last year, and talks surfaced to have him on the trading block. Various mock trades circulated.
Ideas proposed included sending Stroman back to his original club in the American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays. But that has yet to happen, and it doesn’t seem that a trade would be feasible since there may now be a temporary hole in the rotation.
For the Yankees to find a replacement starter or to test a younger player in that role would be difficult right now. Stroman has $18.5 million left on the table for 2025. This amount will be earned with Stroman back in a starter role.
Performance will be key for Stroman, as he has an $18 million vesting option for 2026. So 2025 will be a key showcase. A trade of Stroman will not occur, at least until Gil returns and is at full health.
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