The New York Yankees have placed left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough on the 15-day injured list due to a right oblique strain, according to manager Aaron Boone, who spoke to reporters on Sunday, June 23, 2025. Boone specified the injury as “low-grade” and stated the team hopes it will not sideline Yarbrough for an extended period. He added that the pitcher will be able to resume throwing as soon as he’s symptom-free.
Yarbrough reported feeling discomfort in the oblique area during each of his last two starts. He was removed from a game against the Los Angeles Angels on June 18, 2025, after experiencing more discomfort. An MRI confirmed the strain, and the injured list move is retroactive to June 20.
The 33-year-old has made 16 appearances for the Yankees in the 2025 season, including eight starts, and has a 3-1 record with a 3.90 ERA. He joined the Yankees in March after opting out of a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Originally signed as a reliever, he transitioned into the rotation after multiple injuries to Yankees starters.
- Ryan Yarbrough has been placed on the 15-day IL with a right oblique strain, putting more pressure on an already injury-riddled Yankees rotation.
- Allan Winans, with a 0.90 ERA in Triple-A, has been called up to start in Yarbrough’s place, while Marcus Stroman and JT Brubaker remain possible rotation reinforcements.
- With multiple arms down and limited internal depth, the Yankees are likely to pursue pitching help before the July 31 trade deadline.
Allan Winans Gets the Start Against Cincinnati
Yarbrough had been scheduled to start the June 24 series opener in Cincinnati against the Reds. That start will now go to Allan Winans, a 29-year-old right-hander who was on the Yankees’ major league roster earlier this season but did not appear in a game.
Winans has made 11 appearances (9 starts) at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2025, where he has posted a 7-0 record, a 0.90 ERA, 59 strikeouts in 50 innings, and a 1.040 WHIP. Boone said, “He’s been tremendous. To be this deep in the season as a starting pitcher with a sub-1.00 [ERA], we’re really excited. Hopefully, he brings that up with him [Monday].”
Ahead of Winans’ start, sports betting odds adjusted following Yarbrough’s absence. According to Covers.com, the Yankees were listed as –160 favorites, with the Reds at +135, for Monday’s game in Cincinnati. The New York Post’s betting desk listed a –125 Yankees moneyline via BetMGM, and one expert recommended a $50 wager on New York.
Yankees Recall and Reassign Jayvien Sandridge
To temporarily fill Yarbrough’s roster spot, the Yankees recalled left-handed pitcher Jayvien Sandridge from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday. Sandridge, age 26, has pitched across Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A this season. In 10 games, he has a 1-1 record, a 3.00 ERA, and two saves.
Sandridge was returned to Triple-A after Sunday’s game, as the Yankees made room for Winans to join the roster and start Monday’s game.
Stroman and Brubaker Remain in Consideration
Marcus Stroman, who has been on the injured list since April 12 with left knee inflammation, is scheduled to make another minor league rehab start on Tuesday, with a target pitch count of around 70 pitches. Boone said Stroman would be “in the mix” for a potential rotation spot following that outing.
JT Brubaker, a 31-year-old right-hander, also remains on the roster. Brubaker appeared in his first MLB game since 2022 on Saturday. He had undergone Tommy John surgery, followed by setbacks including an oblique injury in 2023 and fractured ribs this spring. He is currently serving as the Yankees’ long reliever, but Boone noted Brubaker threw over 70 pitches at Triple-A and could be a starting option if needed.
Yarbrough’s Injury Adds Pressure on Yankees
Yarbrough’s injury follows the recent loss of Yerry De Los Santos, who was placed on the injured list with right elbow discomfort. Although the team believes De Los Santos avoided significant damage, the Yankees’ pitching depth is under serious strain.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees may now be forced to explore the trade market. He listed 12 potential bullpen targets, including:
- Ryan Helsley (St. Louis Cardinals), as a hard-thrower nearing free agency
- Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians), not as dominant this season, but still a premium arm
- David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates), who has shown a strong rebound
Other names thrown into the ring were Shelby Miller, Hunter Gaddis, Bryan Baker, and Dennis Santana, though the availability of these players depends on their teams’ trade intentions. Many are on bubble teams, which means clarity on their status may not come until closer to the July 31 trade deadline.
Yankees Battle Through Injuries While Staying in Contention
Despite the injuries, the Yankees’ rotation has received contributions from established and emerging pitchers. In addition to Yarbrough’s stretch of effective starts, the rotation has featured Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, rookie Will Warren, and Clarke Schmidt.
On Saturday, Schmidt threw seven no-hit innings and extended his scoreless streak to 25 ⅓ consecutive innings, continuing his standout performance.
While Luis Gil has resumed throwing to live batters, Boone has indicated he is unlikely to rejoin the rotation until after the All-Star break.
Yarbrough’s placement on the IL removes a steady arm from a Yankees rotation that has already been tested multiple times in 2025. His absence, combined with ongoing injury concerns and thin internal options, may push the team further toward action at the trade deadline.
