Yankee Relievers Who Could Step into a Rotation Spot in Cole’s Absence<\/p>\n
Will Warren might be called upon to transition from the Yankees’ bullpen to a starting role in Gerrit Cole\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n
On Monday, the New York Yankees received the alarming news that Gerrit Cole will miss the remainder of the season due to Tommy John surgery. With this, the team will need to lean more on their bullpen unless additional starting options become available.<\/p>\n
The 2023 Cy Young Award winner started two games in the World Series last season and had been a consistent force for the Yankees, embodying the face of their rotation.<\/p>\n
Cole had been dealing with discomfort in his right elbow during his final spring training appearance. After consulting with one specialist, Tommy John surgery was suggested, but a second opinion was sought.<\/p>\n
As feared, the second opinion confirmed that surgery was necessary, sidelining Cole until next season. This leaves the Yankees with only four viable rotation options, as Luis Gil is also out until June.<\/p>\n
At this point, transitioning a reliever into a starter or hybrid pitcher seems to be the most practical solution. For Cole\u2019s first scheduled start, a bullpen day might be the ideal opportunity to audition candidates for the role. Which bullpen options are best suited to step in for Cole?<\/p>\n
Yankees Bullpen Option #1: Will Warren<\/p>\n
Undoubtedly, Yankees prospect Will Warren is the first bullpen option to consider. Warren, ranked No. 5 among the Yankees’ top 30 prospects, is protected on the 40-man roster and made his MLB debut last season.<\/p>\n
Why is he the top choice? Warren is the most starter-like option out of the bullpen and has been developed as a starting pitcher. The 2021 eighth-round draft pick has consistently pitched over 100 innings each season for the past three years.<\/p>\n
His ability to go deep into games and his stamina make him a solid candidate to last five to six innings per outing. In 2022, Warren logged 129 innings, followed by the same total in 2023, 109 2\/3 innings in 2024, and another 22 2\/3 innings in the majors.<\/p>\n
Warren\u2019s pitching repertoire is impressive, with an average grade between 50-55, alongside a slider graded at 65. His strong performances and varied skills make him the prime candidate to take over the fifth starter role.<\/p>\n
Option 2: Clayton Beeter<\/p>\n
Clayton Beeter is another potential option to fill a starting role, though his chances are slimmer due to his lack of experience and caliber. Prior to Cole\u2019s injury, the Yankees viewed him primarily as a reliever, but that could change now. His youth and pitch profile would place him ahead of other bullpen options in the competition for a starter spot.<\/p>\n
Beeter, also protected on the 40-man roster, will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Like Clay Holmes, Beeter may be given a chance to start, potentially carving out a niche.<\/p>\n
In terms of statistics, Beeter\u2019s innings pitched and pitch offerings suggest he is better suited as a short or long reliever. Between 2019 and 2024, he exceeded 80 innings in a season only once, with 131 2\/3 innings pitched in 2023 across Double-A and Triple-A.<\/p>\n
Beeter could fit into a bullpen role or serve as an immediate reliever following the exit of Cole\u2019s replacement during a game. While he lacks MLB experience, he remains a consideration for the role.<\/p>\n
Nick, from Toronto, ON, brings eight seasons of experience with the Toronto Blue Jays in various roles, most recently as an Academy Instructor. After competing in baseball, Nick has coached elite programs, including representing Canada in the World Comes to Palm Beaches classic and spending three seasons with the Toronto Mets. Currently, he is an assistant\/pitching coach with Team Ontario and the Scouting Coordinator. Nick owns RINGSZN Baseball Development & Scouting, providing recruitment and advisory services for college and professional baseball, including the MLB Draft. He covers the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and New York Mets.<\/p>\n
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Yankee Relievers Who Could Step into a Rotation Spot in Cole’s Absence Will Warren might be called upon to transition from the Yankees’ bullpen to a starting role in Gerrit Cole\u2019s absence. On Monday, the New York Yankees received the alarming news that Gerrit Cole will miss the remainder of the season due to Tommy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2088],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-yankees"],"yoast_head":"\n