Games between the Yankees and Dodgers are always among the most intense in Major League Baseball. Just last week, an 18-2 blowout victory by Los Angeles drained New York’s bullpen, forcing management to make an emergency signing involving a $47 million veteran.
The May 31 game was a nightmare for the Yankees. Facing the Dodgers’ relentless offense, manager Aaron Boone was forced to use eight pitchers, nearly his entire rotation, yet it still wasn’t enough to slow down the home team’s hitters.
The exhausting battle left Boone’s bullpen depleted, prompting management to turn to the Minor Leagues for reinforcements. They promoted 38-year-old pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the Major League roster for Game 3 of the series against the Dodgers. However, his return was short-lived.
The Yankees’ tough decision on Carrasco
New York selected Carrasco from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for the game against the Dodgers but waived him the next day. On June 4, the team announced on X (formerly Twitter):
“Earlier today, the Yankees outrighted RHP Carlos Carrasco off the Major League roster and onto the roster of Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.”
New York Post reporter Joel Sherman confirmed that after sending Carrasco back to the minors, the Yankees were preparing to activate Fernando Cruz from the injured list (IL) on Tuesday, effectively ruling out any return for Carrasco in Boone’s rotation.
Carrasco, who led the majors with 18 wins in 2017, earned a $47 million contract with Cleveland. He started the 2025 season with the Yankees but struggled with control, posting a 2-2 record with a 5.91 ERA in six games.
Currently, Carrasco holds a one-year, $1.5 million minor league contract with New York.
Yankees seek bullpen reinforcements
With Carrasco unlikely to return unless another emergency arises, the Yankees are still searching for fresh arms to bolster their bullpen for the remainder of the season. Management has turned its attention to young prospects Cam Schlittler and Carlos Lagrange.
According to New York Post insider Mark W. Sanchez, the Yankees have promoted Schlittler and Lagrange up a level, placing them with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. If the two prospects continue to perform well, they could soon make their Major League debut.
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