The Yankees’ loss to the Pirates highlighted the challenges faced by rookie pitcher Will Warren, who struggled with his pitch count and effectiveness. As the team prepares for Clarke Schmidt’s return, they must make strategic decisions regarding their rotation. Despite a late comeback, the Yankees ultimately fell in an 11th-inning walk-off loss, emphasizing the need for stability and performance from their pitching staff.
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The New York Yankees are at a crossroads with their pitching rotation following a challenging performance from rookie Will Warren, who struggled in their 5-4, 11-inning loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The team must now decide how to accommodate the return of Clarke Schmidt, who is targeting an April 15 or 16 return after a successful Minor League rehab start.
Warren’s Performance
Warren, who had shown promise early in the game by retiring the first eight batters he faced, encountered difficulties as the game progressed. He was knocked for four runs in four innings, with a particularly taxing third inning that required 37 pitches. Manager Aaron Boone described Warren’s performance as a mix of good moments and lapses, noting that deep counts drove up his pitch count.
“Anytime we can put the ball in play early, keep the pitch count down, that’s right on cue where we’re supposed to be,” Warren said. “When you have those 3-2 counts with a base open, just go at them. Let them get themselves out, I guess.”
Late Comeback and Walk-Off Loss
Despite Warren’s struggles, the Yankees’ offense managed a late comeback, tying the game in the ninth inning with a run-scoring double by Oswald Peraza and a two-run single by Trent Grisham, both off Ryan Borucki. However, the Pirates celebrated their first walk-off win of the year when Tommy Pham hit an 11th-inning single off Devin Williams.
“Theoffense did a great job battling back there in the ninth, giving us a chance to win,” Williams said. “We did a great job keeping them off the board there for two innings. We couldn’t get it done.”
Pitching Staff Decisions
With Clarke Schmidt’s impending return, the Yankees must decide whether to option rookie Will Warren or veteran Carlos Carrasco to the Minors. Warren has allowed six runs on seven hits across nine innings (6.00 ERA) with five walks and nine strikeouts. Carrasco, on the other hand, has a 7.36 ERA after allowing six runs in 7⅓ innings.
