Yankees newly acquired pitcher has big shoes to fill
The New York Yankees are facing an early-season test in their starting rotation, and newly acquired left-hander Ryan Weathers is right in the middle of it. With ace Gerrit Cole and veteran starter Carlos Rodon both on the injured list to begin the season, and former Rookie Of The Year Luis Gil sent down to the minors until the Yankees need a 5th starter, Weathers is being thrust into a much larger role than originally expected when the Yankees traded for him this offseason. A Rotation Suddenly in Flux Mar 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during spring training at George M.
Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images The Yankees do envision a rotation led by Cole and Rodon, with Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, and one of many options filling in the 5th spot. But of course, right now, injuries are changing how things look right now.
Losing two frontline starters at the same time creates a major gap—not just in innings, but in leadership and consistency. That’s where Weathers enters the picture. A Huge Opportunity for Weathers Acquired to provide depth, Weathers now finds himself with a chance to prove he can be more than just a back-end option.
He struggled this spring in terms of his stats, but his stuff looked crisp and ready for the regular season. The left-hander has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, but consistency and injuries have been the biggest question mark. Now, with a clear opportunity in front of him, he’ll be asked to deliver quality starts against major league lineups on a regular basis.
For a pitcher still looking to establish himself, this is a defining moment. Pressure of Filling Big Shoes Mar 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Replacing even part of the production from Cole and Rodón is no small task.