Yankees turn to Marcus Stroman as rotation concerns continue to mount

Marcus Stroman is back in the Yankees’ rotation—for now.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed after Friday night's game that the veteran right-hander will start Sunday against the A’s at Yankee Stadium. Stroman, who’s been sidelined since April with left knee inflammation, will return despite a shaky showing in his final rehab start.

Pitching for Double-A Somerset on Tuesday, Stroman gave up 10 hits and five earned runs in just 3.2 innings. He walked two, struck out one, and threw 65 pitches before being pulled. It was his third rehab start—and his worst by far.

Still, the Yankees don’t have many options. 

Ryan Yarbrough is on the injured list. Luis Gil is still working his way back. Allan Winans didn’t do enough Monday night to lock down the job. So Stroman will take the ball.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0)

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Yankees watched him throw a bullpen session at the Stadium before Friday's game, something they needed before finalizing the decision. 

But it’s fair to ask if results should matter more than reps.

Before the injury, Stroman posted an 11.57 ERA in three April starts. He allowed 14 hits and six walks in 9.1 innings, striking out seven. The command hasn’t been sharp. The contact has been loud. And this Sunday start doesn’t feel like a reward—it feels like a test.

Stroman will be trying to steady the back of a Yankees rotation that suddenly looks vulnerable. Whether he’s up to it remains to be seen.

For now, he’s the best option they have. But if things don’t look different on Sunday, the Yankees may need to start thinking about who else is out there.