Marcus Stroman, the New York Yankees starting pitcher, is navigating a difficult period in his 34-year-old season as he attempts to overcome ongoing issues with his performance and health. After joining the Yankees in the 2024 offseason on a two-year, $37 million contract, Stroman has faced considerable adversity, including a recent rehab assignment aimed at returning him to form.
Stroman, who was originally a first-round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2012 MLB Draft, has played 11 major league seasons with the Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs, earning an All-Star selection in 2023 with the Cubs. Despite high hopes, his transition to the Yankees has been difficult, with last postseason’s ALCS marking his absence and his exclusion from the 2024 World Series roster.
Current Injury and Rehab Plans
The Yankees placed Stroman on the 15-day injured list in mid-April due to left knee inflammation following a rocky start where he allowed five runs while recording only two outs. This injury has further complicated his efforts to secure a steady role in the pitching rotation. To aid his recovery, the team announced that Stroman will take the mound for the Somerset Patriots, the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, as part of a rehab assignment scheduled for Tuesday night.
Reports indicate Stroman could rejoin the Yankees’ rotation, which has been severely impacted by injuries this season, offering a chance for the veteran pitcher to regain his footing.
Performance Struggles Highlight Difficult Season
Even when healthy, Stroman’s performance has been a major concern, as he currently holds an 11.57 ERA with an 0–1 record across three starts and only 9.1 innings pitched. These numbers reflect the challenges he faces in adapting back to major league competition and making a meaningful contribution to the team amidst ongoing adversity.
With the Yankees enduring a tough stretch that includes multiple consecutive losses, the return of a reliable starter like Stroman could prove pivotal in stabilizing their pitching staff moving forward.