Rotation, 'pen, backup catcher ... tough decisions loom for Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- The decisions will grow more difficult for Aaron Boone and the Yankees over the next week-plus, as the club’s decision-makers huddle to determine the roster they will carry north for the March 27 season opener against the Brewers.

In a camp that has seen significant pieces like Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton lost to injuries, that team may look quite different than many anticipated just a month ago. Yet Boone believes his Yankees will still have a formidable squad when they stand along the first-base line at Yankee Stadium on Opening Day.

“We’re not there yet,” Boone said. “There’s still important days here in camp that we’ll continue to evaluate and keep assessing where we are, and ultimately, what we think is the best decision for the team. I feel like a lot of guys have, to this point, forced us into making, hopefully, some decisions.”

Boone said the Yankees plan to have their first formal meetings concerning roster construction early this week.

"We get a lot of voices in the room and hear what people are thinking," Boone said. "Because I think there are real debates to be had for how the shape of the roster goes.”

Note: All stats are from Grapefruit League play, through Sunday.

Rotation
Let’s begin here, where the absences of Cole and Gil have altered what was forecast as one of the Majors’ most formidable starting fives. Carlos Rodón will start Opening Day and Max Fried goes in the second game on March 29; the rest is yet to be announced, though Marcus Stroman is assured of a starting role. Clarke Schmidt has been slowed this spring, first by back spasms and now by a sore shoulder.

Assuming Schmidt bounces back, the final choice appears to be between Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren, a call complicated by Carrasco’s March 22 opt-out deadline. Warren (2.87 ERA, nine hits, three walks, 16 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings) has had a sharp spring, but Carrasco (2.45 ERA, six hits, six walks, 12 K's in 11 innings) has also pitched well.

Are the Yankees prepared to risk losing depth after being so hard-hit by injuries? If the answer is no, Warren could be optioned to Triple-A to begin the season.

“The only thing I can think about is, every five days, you just go out there and pitch,” Carrasco said. “I don’t want to think about [the opt-out]. Right now, I’m just getting ready for my next start.”

Non-roster invitee Allan Winans (3.18 ERA, 10 hits, four walks, seven K's in 11 1/3 innings) has also been mentioned in the starting mix. Boone lauded Winans, an offseason waiver claim from the Braves, for his “feel” on the mound.

Bullpen
Six of eight spots seem assured, though that number includes Ian Hamilton and Mark Leiter Jr., both of whom have been slowed this spring. Hamilton has resumed facing hitters after dealing with an infection, while Leiter was scratched from a recent appearance due to back spasms.

Yoendrys Gómez (0.00 ERA, two hits, one walk, six strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings) is out of Minor League options and could be used in a multi-inning role. Geoff Hartlieb (1.50 ERA, three hits, four walks, six K's in six innings) has earned praise, with Boone saying the non-roster invitee has “jumped out to me,” though Hartlieb stumbled on Saturday against the Rays in Port Charlotte.

Colten Brewer (0.00 ERA, three hits, zero walks, five K's in seven innings) has looked “really sharp,” according to Boone, and could be a fit. So could Brent Headrick (4.70 ERA, nine hits, five walks, 12 K's in 7 2/3 innings) or Yerry de los Santos (2.45 ERA, six hits, four walks, five K's in 7 1/3 innings), each of whom is on the 40-man roster.

Catcher
J.C. Escarra (.364 average, three homers, seven RBIs in 33 at-bats) has done nothing to hurt his chances of completing a cinematic transition from Uber driver to Major Leaguer, showcasing a live bat and strong catching skills in camp. The Yankees will consider carrying three catchers, with Ben Rice (.256 average, three homers, six RBIs in 39 at-bats) presenting the possibility of being used behind the plate, at first base and as a DH option with Stanton out.

Alex Jackson (.235 average, one homer, five RBIs in 17 at-bats), a non-roster invitee acquired from the Reds in the Jose Trevino trade in December, will also be considered.

Infield/bench
Third base seems moderately settled, with Oswaldo Cabrera (.333 average, two homers, three RBIs in 33 at-bats) penciled in, unless an outside acquisition is made.

The Yanks have suggested Cabrera might share time with Oswald Peraza (.182 average, one RBI in 33 at-bats), who is out of Minor League options and can play multiple infield positions. Pablo Reyes (.357 average, three RBIs in 28 at-bats) has also earned attention for his live bat. Jorbit Vivas got a late start to his camp but has hit well (.500 average, three RBIs in 20 at-bats).

A right-handed bat is still on the wish list; New York has contacted free agent J.D. Martinez, but the club appears unwilling to add payroll that would take it further over the Competitive Balance Tax. As such, there could be a spot for non-roster invitee Dom Smith (.323 average, three homers, 12 RBIs in 31 at-bats), who can help at first base, in the outfield and at DH.

“I figured out some things in Boston [last season], where I feel pretty good with my swing,” Smith said. “That’s why I wanted to come here, to show what I can do. I’m just prepared to be in whatever situation I am and just can’t wait to hit it straight on with full steam. I’m excited for the opportunity, and I love it here.”