Carlos Carrasco and the Yankees’ Pitching Carousel: A Veteran’s One-Day Return and a Glimpse at the Future
In a season defined by injuries, roster juggling, and unexpected contributions, the New York Yankees turned once again to veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco, seeking a brief lifeline from their bullpen depth chart. But as quickly as he arrived, Carrasco was gone — a one-day rental in a long and winding season that has demanded creative pitching solutions from manager Aaron Boone and the front office.
On June 1, the Yankees summoned the 38-year-old from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ahead of the final game in a marquee weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The decision came after the Yankees’ bullpen had been decimated during a lopsided 18–2 blowout the night before, using six of their eight available relievers and leaving the staff severely depleted.
Carrasco’s return to a big-league mound never materialized. He was activated, watched the game from the dugout, and was placed on waivers the very next day.
By June 4, the Yankees had made it official: Carrasco was being outrighted back to Triple-A, returning to the same minor league affiliate he had departed just days earlier. The move was procedural and expected, part of a broader effort to balance short-term fatigue relief with longer-term bullpen plans. As reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Carrasco was called up as a temporary insurance policy — a just-in-case arm with a known floor — while the Yankees prepared to welcome back another reliever, Fernando Cruz, from the injured list.
“Source: Not unexpectedly, Carlos Carrasco was with the Yankees for just 1 day as pitching depth protection and was placed on outright waivers,” Sherman wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “With no unexpected setbacks, the NYY were lined up to activate Fernando Cruz from the IL on Tuesday.”
For Carrasco, this has been yet another chapter in what has become a turbulent 2025 season.
Once a frontline starter who led the American League with 18 wins in 2017 and earned a $47 million deal with the Cleveland Guardians, Carrasco has seen his role and effectiveness diminished in recent years. He opened the 2025 season with the Yankees, making eight appearances — including six starts — but struggled with command and consistency, ultimately posting a 5.91 ERA with a 2–2 record. Those struggles earned him a demotion back to Triple-A, where he has served primarily as depth for emergencies just like this one.
And yet, the organization hasn’t completely closed the door on him.
Carrasco’s Future: Insurance, Not Investment
Though his brief return to the big league roster barely lasted 24 hours, Carrasco remains a name the Yankees could turn to again later this season, especially if injuries pile up. His value now lies not in future potential, but in the dependability of experience — a known quantity in a room full of evolving and inexperienced options.
That said, the Yankees appear to be shifting their attention toward youth, grooming internal prospects who could soon leapfrog Carrasco in the pecking order.
The Next Wave: Schlittler & Lagrange Move Up
In a sign of future planning, the Yankees made several prospect promotions that may hint at their long-term strategy. Right-handers Cam Schlittler and Carlos Lagrange were each bumped up a level — Schlittler advancing to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Lagrange moving to Double-A Somerset. These promotions suggest a clear investment in grooming internal arms who can take on roles as early as this year — or, at minimum, prepare for 2026.
Among the two, Schlittler seems the more immediate option. The 6-foot-6 right-hander has turned heads this season with impressive command and strikeout ability. Through 10 starts at Double-A Somerset, he posted a 2.38 ERA, striking out 64 batters in 53 innings. His performance in spring training had already raised eyebrows, and now he’s officially one step away from making his Bronx debut.
“Schlittler is now one step away from The Bronx after a strong 2024, a nice showing in major league spring training and excellent work with Somerset,” New York Post reporter Mark W. Sanchez noted.
Carlos Lagrange, meanwhile, represents a more long-term project. The 6-foot-7 flamethrower has the raw tools and velocity that scouts dream about, but still needs refinement before he’s considered a major league option. His ceiling is high — perhaps as a power reliever or even a starter — but his arrival is still likely a season or more away.
“Lagrange, a 6-foot-7 righty fireballer, probably is not an option for this year but is providing plenty of hope for the future,” Sanchez added.
Injuries Shape the Rotation Picture
The Yankees’ cautious promotion strategy comes against a backdrop of major injuries that have shaken the team’s rotation and bullpen structure. Most notably, Gerrit Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young winner and the clear ace of the staff, underwent Tommy John surgery in March. The injury wiped out his 2025 campaign — and possibly part of 2026 — dealing a massive blow to the team’s pitching hierarchy.
The rotation depth was further tested with injuries to other key contributors. Luis Gil, last year’s AL Rookie of the Year, has been on the shelf with a back injury, though he is expected to return soon. His recovery could bring much-needed strikeout ability and versatility to the back end of the rotation.
Veteran Marcus Stroman, one of the team’s more consistent arms before his injury, is also on the mend. His imminent return could help stabilize the rotation and reduce the need for frequent call-ups and bullpen games.
Still, the Yankees are well aware that success in a 162-game season — and into October — demands more than just a healthy top three. It demands depth. And the way the organization has handled Carrasco, while harsh on paper, is a calculated reflection of modern roster management. In short: keep every option available, but prioritize upside.
Final Thoughts: A Veteran in Limbo, a Team in Transition
Carlos Carrasco’s brief reappearance on the Yankees’ active roster may have gone unnoticed by many, but it underscores how thin the margin is for veteran pitchers on the fringe of big-league relevance. While there’s still a chance he contributes later in the season, especially if further injuries strike or spot starts are needed, the writing is on the wall: the Yankees are transitioning from relying on aging arms to cultivating the next generation.
Whether Carrasco can find a more stable role or fade into permanent minor-league status depends on both his performance and how quickly prospects like Schlittler rise to meet the moment. For now, Carrasco returns to Scranton, ready — if needed — for another emergency call that might last just a single day.
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