After more than two months on the injured list, Marcus Stroman is officially returning to the New York Yankees’ starting rotation. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Friday night that the veteran right-hander will make his first start since April 11 this Sunday in the series finale against the Oakland Athletics.
“Wanted to see him today, make sure he was in a good spot, good with his pen and everything,” Boone told reporters after the Yankees’ 3–0 win over Oakland.
Stroman had been sidelined with left knee inflammation and spent the last few weeks making three rehab starts with Double-A Somerset. His results were underwhelming: Stroman posted a 6.97 ERA in 10.1 innings, allowing 13 hits, 5 walks, and 8 earned runs.
Despite the poor stat line, Boone indicated he was satisfied with Stroman’s bullpen session at Yankee Stadium earlier in the day and confident in giving the veteran a shot.
With Ryan Yarbrough dealing with an oblique injury and the team in need of fresh arms, the Yankees found themselves short on options. Allan Winans, a top-performing Triple-A pitcher with a sparkling 0.90 ERA, was also under consideration. However, Boone opted for experience.
“We just felt like it was the right time to get him back in there,” Boone said. “We’re going to need everyone in the second half, and Marcus has been working hard to get back.”
The decision comes during a turbulent stretch for the Yankees, who have experienced a notable decline in offensive production throughout June. The team ranks 23rd in wRC+ this month, and injuries have compounded their challenges.
Stroman, 33, was signed in the offseason to add veteran stability to the rotation. Before his injury, he had shown flashes of effectiveness, but Sunday’s outing will be his first real test since early April.
At 47–34, the Yankees are still well-positioned in the standings but are seeking consistency on both sides of the ball. Stroman’s return could be pivotal — whether he succeeds or struggles may help shape the team’s trade deadline strategy.
Boone praised the locker room’s mentality and the players’ willingness to embrace whatever role is needed.
“Everyone obviously wants to be in there every day… but one thing that has been evident from that group is they just want to win and understand there’s roles that come with that sometimes.”
As Stroman prepares to step back on the mound in front of a home crowd, all eyes will be on whether he can help stabilize a Yankees rotation looking for answers — and momentum — heading into the heart of the season.