Pitching Problems - Yankees 40-Man Roster Put To The Test

New York Yankees, Baseball, Professional

March 9, 2023

TAMPA, FL -- Thursday, on Aaron Boone's 50th Birthday, Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees have announced the latest of pitching injuries.

Reported by Brendan Kuty from The Athletic, Carlos Rodón will begin the season on the Injured List due to a forearm strain. Rodón will be added to the list of injured players, which include, Frankie Montas (shoulder) Lou Trivino (elbow) Tommy Kahnle (bicep).

Carlos Rodón: "I'm not here to pitch until the All-Star break. I'm here to pitch well into October. If this was down the stretch, yeah, I would be going for sure. If it's October 5 or the ALDS, I'm taking the ball."

So who do the Yankees have in their depth that can take the ball at the beginning of the regular season? Below are the spring training notes and analysis of our Farm:

(Photo by Sandy Molinares -JSN)

Yoendrys Gomez, 23 years old, and ranked the 11th Yankees Prospect by MLB in 2023, signed in 2016. He has completed two spring training outings this spring where he pitched five scoreless innings. He had two very impressive outings thing spring, pitching five innings, four Strikeouts and giving up only two hits. His fastballs range from 94-96 and peak at 98. He faced six players with big league experience in two innings. He only gave up one run in both combined outings, with the most swings and misses of any pitcher Wednesday with eight. Scouting reports grades his Fastball and Slider at 60--which is very good.

Spring Stats: 5 IP, 2 H, 4 SO, 1.80 ERA

After recovering from TJ in 2021, Gomez played with Somerset and Hudson in 2022, he pitched 47 Innings, 49 Strikeouts and 2.49 ERA. He led Somerset to the championship where he pitched five innings, two strikeouts and two earned runs. This alone is a big jump after recovering from TJ, it has been two years, and Yoendry's is looking like he will be fully back to himself and shown improvement. Additionally, Gomez shows maturity on the mound and capable to play in the big leagues. There could be a possibility of seeing him in the 40-man roster later.

Jhony Brito, 24 years old, born in Dominican Republic, signed with Yankees in 2015, He is currently ranked 27th in the 2023 MLB Prospect Rankings and was added to the 40-man roster last season. Brito split time in Triple-A, and the change-up and fastball are his best pitches. His fastball reached 98+ and gives us the change-ups to produce ground balls. The best part of Brito's pitching is his control and poise on the mound. He may well have a shot to making an MLB debut this year.

Spring Stats: 4.2 IP, 4 SO, 3.86 ERA, gave up 8 hits and 0 walks

2022 Stats over 26 Games: 112.2 IP, 91 SO, 2.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP

Randy Vazquez, 23 years old, Dominican Republic native signed in 2018, 14th ranked Top Yankee Prospect, another addition to 40-man last year. Vazquez has continued to impress with his combined no-hitter to lead Somerset to Championship win, pitching eight no-hit innings. He learned to pitch a curve-ball by spinning bottle caps and has one the nastiest curveball in the system with great spin rate - scouts grade at 60. Although Vazquez got roughed up against the Phillies in his spring outing, he had 134 SO, 129 IP in Double-A last season. Another promising arm you will seeing debut soon, he will start Friday vs Detroit Tigers in Lakeland.

2022 Stats over 25 Games: 115.1 IP, 120 SO, 3.90 ERA, 1.27 WHIP

Cashman in response to @MarlyRiveraESPN question of his return, "In a perfect world, Carlos Rodón will be back in the rotation some time in April." as reported by @MarlyRiveraESPN

Rodón, who signed a six-year, $162M contract with the Yankees this offseason, reported that he started feeling the injury after 3rd, 4th, BP, and it was "cranky" heading to the game to throw against Atlanta, set him back a bit.

Boone on the YES Network with Michael Kay, said the injury is not serious. This is good news, because Carlos will only be out for a short period and the Yankees will be in a good spot long-term. Boone likes their pitching depth and spots will open up for guys who are very capable, including bullpen arms. As we know, injuries take time and all eyes will be on these prospects as pitching potential is put to the test.