The New York Yankees are facing an easy decision regarding veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco. His early-season struggles, combined with the impending return of Clarke Schmidt, make the case for demotion increasingly compelling. The Yankees need stability in their rotation, and Carrasco’s current performance is not meeting expectations.
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The New York Yankees are reportedly at a crossroads with veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco, whose early-season performance has been underwhelming. With a thin rotation already operating without key players like Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, the Yankees had high hopes for Carrasco to provide stability. However, his recent outings have raised concerns, making the decision to demote him increasingly clear.
Carrasco’s Struggles
Carlos Carrasco, 38, has had a challenging start to the 2025 season. In just 11.2 innings, he has given up 16 hits, 10 earned runs, five home runs, and six walks, resulting in a 7.71 ERA. His velocity has dipped below 92 mph, significantly down from his prime. This decline in performance has left batters seeing the ball well and hitting it hard, which is a dangerous combination for any pitcher.
The Eye Test
It’s not just the numbers that are concerning; Carrasco’s confidence appears to be shaken. Observers note that he doesn’t look comfortable on the mound, and the quality of contact he’s allowing suggests that batters are timing him well. This lack of command and confidence is a significant red flag for a pitcher who is expected to anchor the rotation.
Relief on the Horizon
The Yankees may find some relief with the impending return of Clarke Schmidt. Schmidt is nearing the end of his rehab assignment and is expected to rejoin the rotation soon. Last season, Schmidt posted a 2.85 ERA over 85.1 innings, striking out nearly 10 batters per nine and leaving 80% of baserunners stranded. His return could provide the stability the Yankees desperately need.
Potential Demotion
Given Carrasco’s struggles and Schmidt’s impending return, the Yankees may decide to demote Carrasco to the bullpen or Triple-A. This move would allow them to evaluate his performance in a lower-pressure environment and give Schmidt a chance to regain his form. While Carrasco’s experience and veteran presence are valuable, his current performance suggests that a change of scenery might be beneficial.
