The New York Yankees faced early season setbacks due to injuries to key starters Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, prompting rookie pitcher Will Warren to take on a larger role. Warren recently reflected on a defining moment in his young career when he faced the three-time MVP Mike Trout in a challenging series opener against the Los Angeles Angels last week, marking a significant milestone during his rookie season.

Despite a shaky beginning to his rookie year, Warren, 26, has shown notable improvement in recent outings, especially after Ryan Yarbrough also encountered injuries. Facing Trout brought both excitement and nerves for the newcomer, who described pitching against one of baseball’s all-time greats as nearly surreal.

Warren admitted his initial nervousness, conceding three earned runs during his first three innings against the Angels, but he soon found his rhythm. Over six innings, he struck out 11 batters while giving up just those three runs, showcasing resilience and growth under pressure.

Will Warren Reflects on Facing Major League Powerhouses Including Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani

Warren also recalled his difficult outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, describing their lineup as “tough.” He specifically mentioned stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernandez, noting the challenge of facing such talent early in his career.

In that game, Warren struggled, allowing seven runs in just over an inning, highlighting the steep learning curve he has experienced this season. Despite this rough start, he has demonstrated persistence and an ability to bounce back, helping strengthen the Yankees’ rotation during a crucial timeframe.

Warren’s Performance Offers Hope for Yankees’ Pursuit of Division Title

With injuries sidelining some of the team’s top starters, Will Warren’s emergence has provided the Yankees with fresh depth at a critical moment. His recent improvement on the mound adds an encouraging element to the team’s overall pitching staff as they compete for a division championship.

Warren’s experience facing high-caliber hitters like Mike Trout and the Dodgers’ lineup has accelerated his development, suggesting he can contribute significantly in high-pressure situations going forward. His growth reflects both his talent and determination to succeed at the major league level.

“Yeah, Trout, that whole at bat, I think looking back after the game ended was kind of surreal. I mean, I think when I was little, Trout’s the greatest baseball player ever, that’s what I thought. And you know, to pitch against him was just kind of a dream come true. I mean, it was crazy to think about.” —Will Warren, Rookie Pitcher

“That Dodgers lineup is tough, man. Definitely Shohei Ohtani to Freddie Freeman to Teoscar Hernandez and Mookie Betts wasn’t in there.” —Will Warren, Rookie Pitcher