TheNew York Yankeeshave released starting pitcherMarcus Stroman.The team announced the moveon Friday. His release comes after the Yankees added relieversDavid Bednar, Camilo Doval and Jake Bird (in addition to utilityman José Caballero) before Thursday's MLB trade deadline. In his final start for the Yankees, Stroman allowed four runs and six hits with three strikeouts ina 7-4 winover theTampa Bay Rays. He allowed four runs in each of his past two appearances. Stroman, 34, compiled a 6.23 ERA with a 3-2 record in nine starts for the Yankees this season. He struck out only 26 batters in 39 innings, tying a career-low with an average of six strikeouts per nine innings. The Yankees still owe Stroman the remaining $5.61 million on his contract for this season,per MLB Trade Rumors. He signed a two-year, $37 million deal with the Yankees. Any team that decides to add Stroman will pay him the prorated major-league minimum. Stroman's role for 2025 was uncertain during spring training as the Yankees projected to have a full five-man rotation withGerrit Cole, free-agent additionMax Fried,Carlos Rodón, 2024 American LeagueRookie of the Year Luis GilandClarke Schmidt. He insisted that he was a starting pitcher anddid not wantto pitch out of the bullpen. As a result, Stroman was attached to trade rumors throughout the spring. However, Coleunderwent Tommy John surgery, whileGilandSchmidtbegan the season on the injured list. (Schmidt's season eventuallyended with reconstructive surgeryas well.) So Stroman essentially won a spot in the starting rotation by default. Yet he later missed two months of the early seasonwith left knee inflammation. Gil is scheduled to makehis first start of the seasonon Sunday versus theMiami Marlins, which bumped Stroman from the rotation. Fried (12-4, 2.64 ERA) and Rodón (11-7, 3.18) will fill the first two spots on the Yankees' starting staff, followed by Gil, with rookies Will Warren (6-5, 4.64) and Cam Schlittler (1-1, 4.91) taking the last two turns. In addition to releasing Stroman, the Yankees recentlytraded Carlos Carrascoto theAtlanta Bravesand demotedAllan Winansto Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to streamline their pitching staff. Over 11 MLB seasons, Stroman has a 3.79 ERA and 90-87 record, averaging 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He's pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Chicago Cubs before joining the Yankees.
