In a move that has ripple effects across the Yankees’ roster, the team has officially announced the optioning of right-hander Yerry De los Santos to Triple-A. This decision paves the way for the return of veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco, whose contract has been selected from Triple-A Scranton, making him active just in time for tonight’s game against the Dodgers.
Before we delve deeper into Carrasco, let’s talk about Jake Woodford, who has opted out of his minor league deal with the Yankees and is now back on the free agent market. Originally a first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2015, Woodford made his major league debut during the shortened 2020 season, but his rookie year didn’t exactly go according to plan. He posted a 5.57 ERA while working a multi-inning relief role, a tough start that left room for improvement.
Fast forward to 2021 and 2022, and Woodford showed some promise, recording a much-improved 3.26 ERA (121 ERA+) alongside a 3.93 FIP over 116 innings. While his strikeout rates were below the league average at 15.4%, his command and propensity for generating ground balls—boasting a 45.8% groundball rate—helped him keep runs off the board, at least for a while. However, the lack of strikeouts became a notable issue in 2023, leading to a challenging year with a 6.23 ERA and a 6.61 FIP across 47 2/3 innings. This poor showing ultimately led to him being non-tendered by the Cardinals at season’s end.
Since then, Woodford has embraced the journeyman status. The last season saw him splitting time between the White Sox and the Pirates, where he struggled with a combined 7.97 ERA in 35 innings, paired with a less than stellar 4.94 FIP. Yet, he found some footing at Triple-A, sporting a decent 3.93 ERA over 94 innings. Despite those solid numbers, he couldn’t secure a place on the Pirates’ roster, leading to his move to free agency. After signing a minor league deal with the Rockies, he was released pre-season when he didn’t make the opening day roster. Most recently, his attempt to prove himself with the Yankees resulted in a 4.54 ERA over 39 2/3 innings at Triple-A.
In the midst of a tumultuous pitching situation, particularly after the Yankees’ taxing game last night against the Dodgers where they used seven pitchers, it seemed like a prime opportunity for Woodford to make his major league return. However, he triggered his opt-out clause, and instead of elevating him, the Yankees opted to bring back Carrasco.
Carrasco’s journey with the Yankees has been somewhat of a rollercoaster; this will mark his second stint with the team this season. After initially making the Opening Day roster due to a spate of injuries in the starting rotation, he unfortunately pitched to a 5.91 ERA and a 5.30 FIP during his 32 innings with the Bronx Bombers. While those statistics might raise eyebrows, Carrasco still brings reliable volume to the mound—something that is crucial at this stage in the season as the bullpen’s strain becomes palpable. Beyond the numbers, his reputation as a positive clubhouse presence could provide the Yankees with a much-needed boost as they navigate the challenges ahead.
In the world of baseball, where pitching depth is continually tested and player transactions can shift team dynamics, Carrasco’s ability to contribute could be just what the Yankees need during this crucial juncture. Fans will be watching closely as the veteran looks to recapture some of the form that once made him a mainstay in the rotation during his prime.
