Yankees Face Roster Shake-Up Ahead of 2025 Opener
The New York Yankees are making last-minute adjustments as they prepare for Opening Day against the Milwaukee Brewers. With injuries sidelining several key players, the team has reshuffled its roster to compensate for the setbacks.
Injury Setbacks Force Changes
A wave of injuries has forced the Yankees to rethink their lineup, with slugger Giancarlo Stanton among eight players placed on the injured list. Joining him are DJ LeMahieu, Clarke Schmidt, and JT Brubaker, among others. The team will have to rely on its depth to navigate these early-season challenges.
Final Bullpen Decisions
One of the biggest roster moves involved sending Yerry De Los Santos to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Despite a strong spring training, he was the odd man out due to roster constraints. As a result, Yoendrys Gómez and Brent Headrick have secured the final two bullpen spots:
- Yoendrys Gómez: The 25-year-old right-hander appeared in seven games for the Yankees last season and impressed during spring training.
- Brent Headrick: A left-hander acquired from the Twins in February, Headrick’s command and versatility earned him a place on the Opening Day roster.
Yankees’ Opening Day Bullpen
The Yankees’ bullpen for the season opener will feature a mix of new and experienced arms:
- Closer: Devin Williams
- Relievers: Luke Weaver, Ryan Yarbrough, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Mark Leiter Jr., Yoendrys Gómez, and Brent Headrick
Injuries played a significant role in shaping this bullpen, with Ryan Yarbrough joining late after opting out of a minor league contract with the Blue Jays.
Full List of Injured Players
The Yankees will be without several key contributors to start the season:
- Pitchers: Jake Cousins, Clayton Beeter, Jonathan Loaisiga, Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross
- Position Players: Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu, Clarke Schmidt, JT Brubaker
These injuries have made roster decisions more complex as the team works to stay competitive.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
Despite the early-season challenges, the Yankees are determined to hit the ground running. Their reshuffled bullpen will need to step up, and reinforcements from Triple-A could play a crucial role in the coming weeks. Fans will be watching closely as the team takes the field at Yankee Stadium for the highly anticipated season opener.