4 days ago
Yankees Brutally Dump Veteran Pitcher 24 Hours After Calling Him Up From Minors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Carlos "Cookie" Carrasco started six games for the New York Yankees this season, providing much-needed help to an injury-battered pitching staff. But with a 5.91 ERA and 2-2 record, the Yankees designated Carrasco for assignment on May 6.
The 38-year-old, 16-year veteran — who was signed to a minor league deal by the Yankees before spring training but pitched his way onto the big league roster — accepted his demotion to Triple-A, but on Sunday he got the call.
He would be rejoining the Yankees for their final game of a three-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
About 24 hours later, Carrasco was gone again. He did not get into the Sunday game against the Dodgers, and the Yankees then placed Carrasco on outright waivers, meaning he can now be claimed by any other team.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Carlos Carrasco #59 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on April 25, 2025 in New York, New...
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Carlos Carrasco #59 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on April 25, 2025 in New York, New York. More
New"It seems unlikely that Carrasco will be claimed. He just cleared less than a month ago and hasn't been in great form since," explained Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors. "However, it's also theoretically possible that there's a team which has been snakebit by injuries of late and is more willing to take a chance on Carrasco now than they were just a few weeks ago."
Carrasco broke into the major leagues with the Cleveland Guardians (then still known as the Indians) in 2009. In 12 seasons with Cleveland, he won 91 games against 83 losses with a 3.91 ERA.
Cleveland traded him to the New York Mets, for whom he pitched from 2021 to 2023 — earning a total of $38 million over those three seasons.
More MLB: Trade Idea Lets Yankees Get Rid of Carlos Carrasco For MLB-Ready Righty Prospect
After he spent last season back in Cleveland, the Yankees offered the Barquisimeto, Venezuela, native a $1.3 million minor league deal for this year, which he accepted.
Now, it appears that his brief, up-and-down Yankees career is over.
"Not unexpectedly, Carlos Carrasco was with the Yankees for just one day as pitching depth protection and was placed on outright waivers," reported New York Post columnist Joel Sherman. "With no unexpected setbacks, the (Yankees) were lined up to activate Fernando Cruz from the IL on Tuesday."
If Carrasco goes unclaimed on the waiver wire, he can elect to declare free agency, or accept another minor league assignment if the Yankees choose to offer him one.
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