The New York Yankees have defied expectations this season, boasting a 26-14 record despite ace pitcher Gerrit Cole being sidelined with injury. In Cole’s absence, the Yankees’ starting rotation has stepped up, with veterans Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman, as well as up-and-comers Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, exceeding expectations. Despite concerns about the rotation before the season began, these pitchers have all performed well, with ERAs in the mid-to-high threes and impressive statistics in various categories.
Notably, all five starters have avoided missing a start this season, with their collective performance helping the team secure wins. The rotation currently holds a 3.36 ERA and the second most strikeouts by starters in MLB. Cole, though sidelined, has been instrumental in supporting his teammates and is making progress towards a return to the mound in early June. This raises the question of whose spot Cole will take upon his return.
Options to accommodate Cole’s return include moving one of the current starters to a multi-inning relief role or implementing a six-man rotation. However, both options present challenges, such as bullpen strain and roster management. With Rodón and Stroman being major-league free agents and Cortes and Schmidt showing reliability as starters, the Yankees face a difficult decision about how to balance their starting pitching depth.
Among the current starters, 25-year-old Luis Gil has been a standout performer with a 2.92 ERA and impressive strikeout numbers. While Gil is the least experienced of the group, he has proven himself in the rotation and may not deserve a demotion to the minors. As the Yankees approach June and Cole’s potential return, they must navigate the delicate balance of managing their pitching staff to maintain their success and accommodate their ace’s comeback.
The possibility of a six-man rotation could provide a temporary solution, giving each starter extra rest while allowing the team to evaluate their options. However, this strategy comes with its own set of challenges, such as roster flexibility and bullpen management. Ultimately, the Yankees will need to make tough decisions regarding their pitching staff and roster construction as they navigate the complexities of balancing depth and performance in the coming weeks. As they continue their strong start to the season, the Yankees will rely on their pitching staff to continue delivering results as they navigate Cole’s return and potential changes to their rotation.
