Yankees Place Marcus Stroman on IL With Knee Inflammation, Clarke Schmidt Set to Return.

The New York Yankees have placed right-hander Marcus Stroman on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his left knee, the team announced ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium.

The injury comes on the heels of a tough outing for Stroman, who was charged with five runs while recording just two outs in Friday’s 9-1, rain-shortened loss to the Giants. Following the game, Stroman underwent X-rays at Yankee Stadium before being sent to a local hospital for further testing.

In a corresponding roster move, the Yankees recalled right-hander Allan Winans from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 29-year-old, who pitched in the majors for the Braves during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, had posted a 7.20 ERA across eight career starts. So far this season in Triple-A, Winans has allowed just one unearned run in 2 2/3 innings.

Stroman’s absence appears to clear the path for Clarke Schmidt’s return to the rotation. Schmidt, who has been rehabbing in the minors, is expected to start either Tuesday or Wednesday against the Royals. After a pair of strong outings in Double-A Somerset, Schmidt says he feels ready.

“I definitely feel good,” Schmidt said Saturday. “I’m happy with the results, the stuff, the command—everything that goes with it.”

Stroman had signed a two-year, $37 million deal with the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season and opened strong before faltering in the second half. His struggles led to a bullpen move in September, and he did not appear during the postseason. Since June 1, 2024, the veteran righty has recorded a 5-8 record with a 6.27 ERA over 21 games (20 starts), including a rough start to 2025 with 12 runs allowed in just 9 1/3 innings (11.57 ERA).

The 11-year MLB veteran holds a $16 million conditional player option for the 2026 season, which becomes active if he reaches 140 innings pitched this year.

Despite Stroman’s recent slump, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic.

“I do [believe he can still be effective],” Boone said. “The movement qualities are there. There are probably some adjustments we can make with him. The stuff isn’t much different from what we saw early last season. It’s about refining the execution.”

As the Yankees juggle their pitching depth, Stroman’s health and Schmidt’s return will be key storylines as the season continues to unfold.

— IVP Sports