New York Yankees News

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Gerrit Cole • SP • Yankees

Gerrit Cole Throws Live Batting Practice

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) continues to make progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The veteran right-hander was able to make two starts during Spring Training. Since then, Cole has thrown a live batting practice session on April 1. The plan is for Cole to continue ramping up his activities before eventually beginning a minor league rehab assignment. The Yankees are hopeful that Cole will be ready to pitch for the big league team by the end of May. The six-time All-Star hasn't pitched since the 2024 campaign, but is one of the best in the game when he's healthy.

15 hours ago

Carlos Rodón • SP • Yankees

Carlos Rodon Getting Closer to a Rehab Assignment

New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow, hamstring) said that he is hoping to throw off a mound on Saturday, and that his next outing will likely be in a controlled environment like a live batting practice session, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Rodon hopes to start a minor-league rehab assignment after that if all goes according to plan. The 33-year-old had offseason surgery on his left elbow and recently suffered a minor setback due to right-hamstring tightness. It's not a serious issue, though, and he could be ready to make his 2026 season debut before the end of April if he can avoid another setback once he begins pitching in minor-league games. When healthy, Rodon has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation arm for fantasy managers on one of the best teams in baseball, so he should be stashed in an IL spot everywhere. He was an All-Star for the third time in his career in 2025, going 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 203:73 K:BB in his 33 starts (195 1/3 innings pitched).

Yesterday

Giancarlo Stanton • DH • Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton Back in the Lineup Against Marlins

New York Yankees outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is back in the starting lineup on Friday against the visiting Miami Marlins and right-hander Eury Perez, serving as the DH and hitting fifth in the batting order, per MLB.com. Stanton will be back in action for the Yanks after getting a normal day off on Wednesday. The 36-year-old veteran will be rested occasionally to keep him healthy for the long haul. So far in his first five games of the 2026 season, Stanton has looked good at the plate, going 10-for-20 with a home run, two doubles, four RBI, and two runs scored. Fantasy managers will want to get Stanton back in their lineups against Perez, whom he's gone 2-for-4 against in his career with one RBI and a 1.250 OPS.

Yesterday

Cade Smith • RP • Guardians |

Cade Smith • SP • Yankees

Cade Smith Allows Another Run, Shaky to Begin Season

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Cade Smith allowed a solo home run during Wednesday's outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The home run was the only run Smith allowed during his inning of work. However, he has now allowed at least one run in each of his last three appearances. Through four innings of relief work this year, he has allowed four earned runs, five hits, and one walk. He also has three strikeouts and one save. Smith's 3.09 xERA suggests his 9.00 ERA could be a product of bad luck, but the 5.67 FIP and 4.24 xFIP still point to some underlying issues. Loud contact has been a big problem for Smith, who has a mere 28.6% ground ball rate this year (albeit over a small sample size). The 26-year-old righty still ranks as RotoBaller's #3 relief pitcher in fantasy baseball for now, but he'll presumably fall down the rankings if he continues to struggle over a larger sample size.

2 days ago

Cam Schlittler • SP • Yankees

Cam Schlittler Dominates Mariners on Wednesday for Second Win of 2026

New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler dominated the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, recording his second win of the season by throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings. The 25-year-old struck out seven while allowing just two hits and zero walks. Across his first two starts of 2026, Schlittler has now logged 11 2/3 scoreless frames with 15 strikeouts while allowing just three hits. Schlittler made his MLB debut in 2025, recording a 4-3 record with a 2.96 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 84 strikeouts across 73 innings (14 starts). The young right-hander posted an elevated 10.2% walk rate, but he's yet to allow a free pass in his small sample of work so far in 2026. If Schlittler's early-season work is any indication, he could be on the verge of a full-scale breakout campaign.

2 days ago

David Bednar • RP • Yankees

David Bednar Sharp to Begin 2026

New York Yankees closer David Bednar is off to a solid start to the 2026 campaign, his first full season in New York. Across his first two appearances (two innings), Bednar is two-for-two on save chances and has allowed just one hit. The 31-year-old has walked two while recording just one strikeout, but it's hard to take much in that respect from just an eight-batter sample size. Across 62 2/3 innings split between the Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025, Bednar pitched to a 2.30 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 86 strikeouts and 27 saves. He was especially effective after being dealt to New York at the trade deadline, recording 10 saves and 35 strikeouts across 24 2/3 innings while allowing just nine walks. Bednar profiles as a high-end number one closer for fantasy managers in 2026.

3 days ago

Carlos Rodón • SP • Yankees

Carlos Rodon Experiencing Hamstring Tightness

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (elbow, hamstring) experienced hamstring tightness while going through his throwing program on Tuesday, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. Rodon is currently on the 15-day injured list while he recovers from the surgery he had in October 2025 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The 33-year-old threw 50 pitches in a live batting practice session on Sunday and appeared to be progressing well. However, it appears as though he may have to halt his rehab progression for non-arm-related reasons. Rodon had an excellent year with the Yankees in 2025, posting an 18-9 record with a 3.09 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 195 strikeouts across 175 innings (33 starts). He's a must-roster fantasy starting pitcher when healthy, but managers may still have a while to wait before Rodon is back on a big-league mound.

3 days ago

Carlos Lagrange • SP • Yankees

Carlos Lagrange Sharp in Triple-A Debut, Emerging as Sneaky Stash Candidate

New York Yankees pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange made his season debut at Triple-A on Sunday, allowing one earned run on four hits and no walks while striking out three in four innings of work. The Yankees' top pitching prospect began 2025 at High-A and moved up to Double-A after just eight starts, where his ERA improved, but his walk rate jumped. All in all, the right-hander posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 21.1 percent K-BB% in 24 appearances (23 starts). His 168 strikeouts were the third-most in all the minors, collecting them all in just 120 innings pitched. The 22-year-old even got a taste of big league camp this spring, striking out 17 batters in 16 1/3 IP, and could be in line for an early-season call-up if he continues to perform. The 6-foot-7 hurler has a fastball that can touch 103 mph and sits in the high 90s, and if he's going to be in the majors sooner rather than later, fantasy managers in redraft leagues may want to consider stashing the flamethrower for his strikeout upside.

3 days ago

Anthony Volpe • SS • Yankees

Anthony Volpe to Take Live Batting Practice Soon

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) has been hitting off the Trajekt pitching machine and will advance to live batting practice soon, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. The Yankees put Volpe on the 10-day injured list to begin the 2026 campaign after he had surgery to fix the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder last October. He has been brought along slowly, but he could be cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment in the second week of April. The most likely scenario is that Volpe will be ready to make his 2026 season debut at some point in early May, barring a setback. The former first-rounder in 2019 hit just .212 (114-for-539) and managed to hit 19 home runs and steal 18 bases in 153 regular-season games despite dealing with a labrum tear for the majority of the season. Until he's ready to return, the speedy Jose Caballero will be the Yankees' primary shortstop. Volpe is rostered in just 7% of Yahoo leagues right now. UPDATE: Volpe will take live batting practice on Wednesday.

4 days ago

Carlos Rodón • SP • Yankees

Carlos Rodon Throws Live Batting Practice

New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) threw 50 pitches in a live batting practice session on Sunday, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. Rodon was forced to start the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list after having surgery in the offseason to remove a bone spur from his left elbow. However, he's already throwing off a mound against hitters, which means he might not be far off from a minor-league rehab assignment. If Rodon doesn't encounter any setbacks as he continues to ramp up, he could make his season debut for the Yankees in April. The three-time All-Star really struggled in his first year in the Bronx in 2023, but he's been much better the last two years, going 34-18 with a 3.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 398 strikeouts, and 130 walks in 370 1/3 innings over 65 starts in pinstripes. Rodon absolutely should be rostered in all fantasy leagues while he recovers, given his high-end upside for one of the best teams in baseball.

4 days ago

Gerrit Cole • SP • Yankees

Gerrit Cole to Throw Live Batting Practice in a Couple of Days

New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) is scheduled to throw one "up" of live batting practice in a couple of days, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Cole continues to trudge along in his recovery from Tommy John surgery that he had in March of last year. Ultimately, the Yankees are hoping that he can return to the team's starting rotation by late May or early June. Cole threw 2 2/3 innings during spring training before the team placed him on the 15-day injured list for the start of the regular season. The former American League Cy Young winner deserves to be stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues, but you'll need to be patient. Because of Cole's long layoff, workload restrictions are expected to be in place to help ease him back in. The former first overall pick in 2011 out of UCLA is a six-time All-Star, but he has only made 17 starts for the Yankees since the start of the 2024 season.

4 days ago

Spencer Jones • CF • Yankees

Spencer Jones Lanches First Long Ball of the Triple-A Season

New York Yankees top outfield prospect Spencer Jones went 1-for-3 with a home run during Sunday's contest against Triple-A Buffalo. This was his first long ball of the Triple-A regular season and also extended his hitting streak to three games. Jones was unlikely to break camp with the MLB roster given their depth in the outfield, but he continues to perform at a high level. In spring training, Jones flashed elite power, hitting six home runs while carrying an incredible .357/.455/1.071 slash line. During the 2025 season, Jones spent time at both Double-A and Triple-A and showed similar raw power upside, hitting 35 home runs over a 116-game stint. While his strikeout rate remains a concern, Jones would carry intriguing fantasy potential as soon as he earns the call to the major leagues.

5 days ago

Ben Rice • 1B • Yankees

Ben Rice Will See Time Against Left-Handed Pitchers This Year

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that first baseman/catcher Ben Rice and outfielder Trent Grisham, who are both out of the starting lineup on Friday against San Francisco Giants lefty Robbie Ray, will see playing time against southpaws in 2026, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "A lot of it has to do with the first three series, the first nine games -- this (Robbie Ray) is probably the only lefty we're going to see," Boone said. Rice, 27, broke out in 2025 in his first full year in the big leagues and earned more exposure to lefties, hitting .255/.337/.499 with an .836 OPS, 26 home runs, 65 RBI, and 74 runs scored in 530 plate appearances over 138 games played. Against left-handers, Rice went 22-for-106 (.208) with seven of his home runs on the season. The 27-year-old lefty slugger also has catcher eligibility. Rice's fantasy arrow is firmly pointing up in 2026. He went 1-for-4 on Opening night on Wednesday in the win over the Giants.

7 days ago

Luis Garcia • SP • Yankees

Yankees Sign Luis Garcia to Two-Year Minor-League Deal

The New York Yankees signed free-agent right-hander Luis Garcia (elbow) to a two-year minor-league deal on Friday, a source told Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Garcia is currently rehabbing after having the second Tommy John surgery of his career last October. His base salary for the 2027 season would be $2.25 million with another $750,000 in possible performance bonuses. The 29-year-old Venezuelan hurler also missed all of the 2024 season due to injury. Garcia entered the league in 2020 with the Houston Astros and has gone 29-19 with a 3.60 ERA (3.82 FIP), 1.15 WHIP, 25.3% strikeout rate, and a 7.7% walk rate in 359 2/3 innings over 71 appearances (65 starts) in the majors in five seasons with the Astros. He only made two starts in 2025 before being shut down. The Yankees are hoping that Garcia can be an option for their starting rotation in 2027 after he recovers from right-elbow surgery.

7 days ago

Carlos Lagrange • SP • Yankees

Carlos Lagrange to Debut at Triple-A on Sunday

The New York Daily News' Gary Phillips reports that New York Yankees pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange is scheduled to make his debut at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday for the RailRiders. Lagrange, who is considered the team's No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, was named the Yankees' most outstanding rookie during spring training. The 22-year-old right-hander struck out 17 batters while walking six in 16 1/3 innings pitched in five Grapefruit League appearances (two starts). The hard-throwing Dominican is one of the better pitching stashes in dynasty/keeper leagues. The 6-foot-7, 248-pounder had a 3.53 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 168 strikeouts and 62 walks in 120 innings over 24 outings (23 starts) with High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset in 2025. Lagrange had an impressive 31% strikeout rate but also a concerning 14.9% walk rate. If Lagrange cannot improve his control, he could be ticketed for a high-leverage bullpen role in the Bronx by the 2027 season.

7 days ago

Ben Rice • 1B • Yankees

Ben Rice on the Bench Against Lefty in Game 2

New York Yankees left-handed-hitting first baseman/catcher Ben Rice will take a seat on Friday at Oracle Park against the San Francisco Giants with left-hander Robbie Ray on the mound, according to MLB.com. Rice will give way to right-handed-hitting Paul Goldschmidt, who is starting at first base and batting leadoff for the Yanks. Rice, who broke out in 2025 with 26 home runs and 65 RBI in 138 games played, is expected to play more against lefties in 2026, but he'll start on the bench in this one. In his young MLB career, Rice has a .683 OPS against left-handers as opposed to an .809 OPS versus righty pitchers. He went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in Wednesday night's Opening Day win over San Fran. Goldschmidt, a former National League MVP, has seen a decline in his production in recent years, but the 38-year-old veteran did have an impressive .981 OPS with seven of his 10 homers against southpaws last year. He's gone hitless in five career at-bats against Ray.

Mar 27

Giancarlo Stanton • DH • Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton Collects Two Hits

New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton got the season started the right way during Wednesday's Opening Day matchup versus the San Francisco Giants. Stanton went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI in the 7-0 win over the Giants. It was a nice beginning to the season for the oft-injured slugger who is hopeful to stay healthy in 2026. Although it's worth noting that Stanton continues to deal with elbow issues that he'll need to manage throughout the season. Stanton already spends most of his time at designated hitter, which is a trend that should continue going forward. The 36-year-old should also get plenty of maintenance days to keep managing his lingering elbow problems. When healthy, Stanton is a dangerous bat who is a threat to go deep at any moment. He's an intriguing fantasy option, but not someone that must be rostered in all fantasy formats.

Mar 27

Cade Smith • RP • Guardians |

Cade Smith • SP • Yankees

Cade Smith Locks Down First Save

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Cade Smith was tasked with shutting the door on Opening Day. Smith was called upon with a two-run lead in the ninth inning of Thursday's game versus the Seattle Mariners. He retired the side on 13 pitches while striking out one batter to earn his first save of the season. Smith took over the closer role last season following the departure of Emmanuel Clase due to legal troubles. The right-hander recorded a career-high 16 saves during the 2025 campaign. He should easily surpass that number as the clear-cut favorite for saves in Cleveland.

Mar 27

Will Warren • SP • Yankees

Will Warren Carries Breakout Potential into 2026

In his first full season in the big leagues in 2025, New York Yankees starting pitcher Will Warren recorded a 9-8 record with a 4.44 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 171 strikeouts across 162 1/3 innings (33 starts). The 26-year-old struggled with consistent command (9.1% walk rate) and allowed a slightly elevated 1.22 HR/9. However, Warren held a spot in the Yankees' rotation for the entire season and has consistently shown the ability to generate swing-and-miss pitches throughout his entire professional career. With Yankees starting pitchers Gerrit Cole (elbow), Carlos Rodon (elbow), and Clarke Schmidt (elbow) all opening 2026 on the injured list, Warren currently pencils in as the number three starter in New York. Warren is also coming off an impressive Grapefruit League, where he pitched to a 1.42 ERA and 0.63 WHIP while allowing just three walks across 25 1/3 innings. Warren could emerge as a breakout starting pitcher for fantasy managers in 2026.

Mar 26

Ben Rice • 1B • Yankees

Ben Rice Hitting Cleanup for Yankees on Opening Night

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice is hitting cleanup on Opening night on Wednesday at Oracle Park against the San Francisco Giants and right-hander Logan Webb, according to MLB.com. Rice is entrusted in the middle of New York's potent lineup after breaking out in 2025 to the tune of a .255/.337/.499 slash line, .836 OPS, 26 home runs, 65 RBI, and 74 runs scored in 530 plate appearances over 138 regular-season games. He has only faced Webb three times in his career and has one hit and an RBI. Not only does Rice have 30-homer potential at Yankee Stadium from the left side of the plate, but he also has catcher eligibility for fantasy managers. In 16 Grapefruit League games in spring training, Rice went 11-for-46 (.239) with two home runs, five RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base. He's as good a DFS selection on Opening night in San Fran as any Yankees hitter.

Mar 25

New York Yankees News

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