Carlos Carrasco‘s strong Spring Training performance has suddenly made him the New York media’s favorite to complete the Yankees’ opening rotation.
According to several reporters, everything points to the veteran Venezuelan pitcher winning the spring training battle over rookie Will Warren.
Both have performed well in the Grapefruit League during exhibition games. But several analysts indicate that the terms of Carlos Carrasco’s contract favor him over his teammate.
Will Warren (3-0, 2.87 in 5 spring games, 4 of them as a starter) has options on his contract. The Yankees can send him to the Minor Leagues without risking losing him.
On the other hand, Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 2.45 ERA in 4 games, 3 as a starter) has the right to request his release if he isn’t included on the 40-man roster by March 22. And Jack Curry, of the YES Network, emphasizes that «everything indicates he’ll start in the rotation.»
APPLAUSE FOR CARLOS CARRASCO
Curry highlights «the way (manager Aaron) Boone has applauded the Venezuelan, his tools, and his ability to get off swings.»
«I see both sides in this together,» the analyst added. «The Yankees need depth in their rotation, so it wouldn’t be wise to let him go.»
New York Daily News reporter Gary Phillips picked up on that comment to add to his argument.
«The option he can exercise on March 22 gives Carlos Carrasco an advantage, after injuries devoured the Yankees’ depth,» Phillips said. «That doesn’t mean Will Warren doesn’t have merit, just that he can be sent down to the Minors.»
Phillips noted that the Venezuelan also has a clause that allows him to leave the Bronx Bombers on June 1 and July 1, if he’s not in the Major Leagues.
«But obviously, that would be in the middle of the season,» he added.
Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty also project in The Athletic a starting rotation with Carlos Carrasco in it.
«He’s had a really good camp,» manager Aaron Boone told to YES. «I think he’s doing very well, mentally and physically. He’s gotten himself into this discussion.»
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With Clarke Schmidt healthy, after suffering a minor shoulder injury, the Yankees’ rotation would be ready if Carlos Carrasco’s favoritism is confirmed. The other starting players, given the injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, are Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, and Marcus Stroman.
Photo: @yankees
