Oct 29, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) celebrates with outfielder Aaron Judge (99) after hitting a grand slam during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
By Nathan Dougherty | Updated June 4, 2025 at 5:58 PM
The New York Yankees have made another roster move involving veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco, sending the 38-year-old back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after a brief emergency stint in the majors.
Carrasco was brought up on June 1 as bullpen insurance for the Yankees’ final game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, following a taxing 18-2 blowout loss in which six relievers were used. Though he didn’t appear in the game, the Yankees promptly placed him on waivers the next day and finalized his return to the minors on June 4.
Carrasco Sent Back to Triple-A
“Earlier today, the Yankees outrighted RHP Carlos Carrasco off the Major League roster and onto the roster of Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre,” the team announced via X.
The move was expected, according to New York Post reporter Joel Sherman, who noted that Carrasco was always intended as a short-term option. The team is expected to activate reliever Fernando Cruz from the injured list shortly.
“Source: Not unexpectedly, Carlos Carrasco was with the Yankees for just 1 day as pitching depth protection and was placed on outright waivers,” Sherman reported. “With no unexpected setbacks, the NYY were lined up to activate Fernando Cruz from the IL on Tuesday.”
Carrasco, who signed a $47 million deal with Cleveland during his prime and led MLB with 18 wins in 2017, has struggled this season with the Yankees. He made eight appearances—including six starts—and went 2-2 with a 5.91 ERA, battling control issues along the way.
Youth Movement Could Be on the Horizon
While Carrasco could be called back later in the season if needed, the Yankees may be preparing to lean on their younger arms. According to New York Post reporter Mark W. Sanchez, two pitching prospects—Cam Schlittler and Carlos Lagrange—have both been promoted, with Schlittler moving up to Triple-A and Lagrange heading to Double-A.
“Schlittler is now one step away from The Bronx after a strong 2024, a nice showing in major league spring training and excellent work with Somerset this season,” Sanchez noted. In 10 Double-A appearances, the 6-foot-6 righty posted a 2.38 ERA and struck out 64 in 53 innings.
Lagrange, standing 6-foot-7 and known for his high-velocity fastball, may not be a 2025 option, but the Yankees are optimistic about his long-term potential.
The Yankees continue to manage a pitching staff depleted by injuries, most notably losing ace Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery in March. The team is also awaiting the returns of Luis Gil and Marcus Stroman, both of whom are progressing well and expected to rejoin the rotation in the near future.
