The New York Yankees open their season on Wednesday with a projected lineup similar to the one that reached the American League playoffs last October. The team made limited additions from outside the organization during the offseason, including left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers, acquired from the Miami Marlins on November 25, 2024.[1]
Former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia expressed support for the approach in a recent interview. "I think it's fine. I think having a chance to get Gerrit Cole back (from Tommy John surgery), have Carlos Rodon healthy for a season, getting Clarke Schmidt back (from TJ) would be huge," Sabathia told Fox News Digital. He added that the team's pitching depth, combined with steady lineup production, positions them well.[2]
Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy John surgery on March 22, 2024.[3] Clarke Schmidt had Tommy John surgery on June 18, 2024.[4] Carlos Rodon made 32 starts over 172 1/3 innings in 2024, his first full season with the Yankees since signing a six-year contract ahead of 2023.[5]
Sabathia, a left-handed starter who pitched for the Yankees from 2008 to 2019, will call the Yankees' visit to the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park as a color commentator on Netflix. Oracle Park has been the Giants' home stadium since 2000.[6] The Vallejo, California native recalled attending Giants opening days at the former Candlestick Park as a child.
"Having a chance to go back home for a Giants opening day... to be able to now come full circle and be calling the game on opening day for my former team at home is really cool," Sabathia said.
Sabathia also defended Yankees captain Aaron Judge amid postseason scrutiny. "To me, he's already proven himself in October, but people say he hasn't," he said, comparing Judge to Alex Rodriguez, who had a strong 2009 postseason after criticism.
The Yankees won 94 games and the AL East title in 2024 before losing 4-1 to the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS.[7]
Sources
- MLB.com
New York Yankees acquire LHP Ryan Weathers, three prospects from Marlins
November 25, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-acquire-ryan-weathers-from-marlins - Fox News Digital
Don't tell the New York Yankees this, but the New York Yankees are running it back
March 2026 (approx., based on context)
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/dont-tell-new-york-yankees-new-york-yankees-running-back - MLB.com
Gerrit Cole of Yankees to undergo Tommy John surgery
March 22, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/gerrit-cole-tommy-john-surgery - MLB.com
Clarke Schmidt of Yankees undergoes Tommy John surgery
June 18, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/clarke-schmidt-tommy-john-surgery-yankees - MLB.com
2024 New York Yankees player stats (Carlos Rodon)
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/yankees/stats - MLB.com
Oracle Park information
Accessed 2024
https://www.mlb.com/giants/ballpark - MLB.com
2024 New York Yankees Schedule and Results
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/yankees/schedule/2024/fullseason
