Another day, and it’s another drama in the Bronx! As the New York Yankees approach the 2025 MLB season, their lineup is rattled by a series of injuries to some key players. With Gerrit Cole sidelined and getting placed on the 60-day injured list, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone has come up with a rotation plan. The main purpose is to fill the gap caused by Cole’s absence and ensure adapting to the circumstances perfectly. Will that work?

Well, replacing Gerrit Cole is a challenging task. Cole had a good 2024 season; he went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA, 17 G, 95.0 IP, 99 strikeouts, and 1.13 WHIP. Problems mount for the Yankees as they suffered an 8-7 loss against the Philadelphia Phillies. But other than the defeat, what’s more concerning is the uncertainty surrounding their starting rotation. So, what are they planning to do?

Well, the New York Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, has finally unveiled their lineup for the 2025 season, which he considers the best they have managed to assemble. Boone stated that Carlos Rodon, Will Warren, Marcus Stroman, and Max Fried will be in the starting lineup. Rodon is the starting pitcher for the first day after going 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA, 32 G, 195 strikeouts, 175.0 IP, and 1.22 WHIP. He has fully earned this spot. Max Fried has also been good, as he went 11-10, made 166 strikeouts, and had a 3.25 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. But there’s more that Boone has been planning!

Aaron Boone also mentioned that he would like Carlos Carrasco to pitch in one of the three games. New York would hope that Carrasco could replicate similar magic just as he did in the spring training. But they have limited choices because of Gerrit Cole’s injury. So, the Yankees would like to gain some support from the bullpen, and Luke Weaver could be a perfect fit as a designated closer.

However, the bullpen pitchers need to carry out their roles perfectly, just like the starting pitchers, which could allow the Yankees to give tough competition when playing against MLB greats like the Mets and the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Yankees manager has also revealed the name of a young talent to be included in the Opening Day roster. 

Aaron Boone reveals the name of a young talent on the roster

While the New York Yankees are already battling with injuries and Gerrit Cole getting sidelined, Aaron Boone has been doing quite well. Right after making the final adjustments to the roster, he included the name of a young player. JC Escarra will make his debut with the Bronx Bombers as part of the 26-man roster for Opening Day. The reason for his inclusion is his impressive performance in the spring training. But will he be able to deliver at the right moment?

Well, JC Escarra posted three home runs, making fifteen hits, and seven RBIs in his 48 plate appearances. That’s quite an impressive performance, isn’t it? Definitely! The 29-year-old has spent most of his career playing in the minor league, and showing some of his skills has caught the attention of the manager. Moreover, without key players like Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole, Escarra’s role seems important, given the depth in the lineup that the Yankees are looking for right now. 

Are you satisfied with the rotation plan and roster adjustments made by Aaron Boone? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.