Marcus Stroman Returns to the Yankees’ Rotation
Pitcher Marcus Stroman will be activated by the New York Yankees to make his start on Sunday, after being out of action for two and a half months due to inflammation in his left knee. The announcement was made by manager Aaron Boone after the Yankees beat the Athletics 3-0 in the first game of the series on Friday night. Stroman held a practice session on Friday morning.The last time Stroman pitched for the Yankees was on April 11, where he allowed five runs in two-thirds of an inning against the San Francisco Giants. At that time, he threw 46 pitches in constant rain. The next day, he was placed on the 15-day injured list, with Boone hoping it would be a short-term absence. On May 9, Stroman felt discomfort in his knee after throwing a batting practice session in Tampa, Florida. He did not begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment until June 11. In three rehabilitation appearances with the Double-A Somerset team, Stroman had a 0-1 record with an ERA of 6.97. His last rehabilitation start was on Wednesday, where he allowed five runs, 10 hits, and two walks in 3 2/3 innings against the Erie Seawolves of the Eastern League, a team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees placed starting pitcher number 5, Ryan Yarbrough, on the injured list on Sunday due to a right oblique strain and started Allan Winans on Monday in Cincinnati. Stroman turned 34 on May 1 and is in the second season of a two-year contract guaranteeing $37 million. The right-handed pitcher’s deal includes a conditional $16 million player option for 2026, which could be exercised if he pitches at least 140 innings this year. Last season, Stroman had a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA in 29 starts and one relief appearance in 154 2/3 innings, his most since 2021 with the Mets. Stroman struggled in the second half and did not pitch in the postseason, when the Yankees made their first World Series appearance since 2009.We wanted to see him today, make sure he’s in good shape, good with his bullpen and everything,” Boone said. “We’re just checking the requirements.
Aaron Boone
