In a bold move, the New York Yankees have designated veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco for assignment, clearing the way for right-hander Yerry De los Santos to join the active roster. This decision brings the club's 40-man roster down to 39, signaling a shift in their pitching strategy.

Carrasco, now 38, initially joined the Yankees on a minor league contract this past offseason. He seized an opportunity amid a wave of injuries that plagued the Yankee rotation during spring training, allowing him to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, his performance has been underwhelming; in six starts and two relief appearances, Carrasco has posted an earned run average (ERA) of 5.91, with a concerning strikeout rate of just 17.6%.

The pitching woes for the Yankees have only intensified since the season began, with notable names like Marcus Stroman joining Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and JT Brubaker on the injured list. While Clarke Schmidt faced some discomfort, he managed to avoid the IL, adding to the team's uncertainty on the mound.

Despite the ongoing injury crisis, the Yankees have opted to move forward without Carrasco. This decision may be influenced by the upcoming schedule, which features four off-days within the month, lessening the strain on the pitching staff. It's also worth noting that Ryan Yarbrough appears to have climbed the depth chart, contributing significantly in a long-relief role with a 3.72 ERA in 19 1/3 innings.

As it stands, the current starting rotation includes Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Will Warren, and Schmidt, with the potential for Yarbrough to step in for spot starts. Additionally, Allan Winans is lurking in Triple-A, poised for a call-up if needed.

Looking ahead, the Yankees’ direction will become clearer in the coming days. Carrasco, while struggling, still possesses an extensive background of success in Major League Baseball and could attract interest from another team seeking a seasoned arm to shore up their rotation.

Having pitched a total of 225 2/3 innings since the start of 2023, split between the Mets, Guardians, and Yankees, Carrasco has dealt with a rough 6.14 ERA. Although his recent numbers aren't stellar, there are other pitchers in the league who have faced similar paths, suggesting Carrasco's journey may not be at an end just yet.

Stay tuned as the Yankees navigate this transition, and watch for where Carrasco may land next!