Carlos Carrasco sticking with Yankees as rotation spot looks sealed

TAMPA — Carlos Carrasco had an opt-out on Saturday in his minor league contract, but he’s not going anywhere.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees from spring training The Yankees are adding the veteran right-hander to their roster, general manager Brian Cashman said Saturday, with Carrasco set to start the season as a member of the rotation because of injuries elsewhere.“Obviously, he’s earned the right to come north with us,” Cashman said.The 38-year-old Carrasco has had a strong camp, pitching to a 1.69 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 16 innings.

He has seen an uptick in his fastball velocity from the last few seasons, which have been a struggle.Carrasco is on track to be the Yankees’ No.4 starter with Will Warren set to claim the fifth spot, though Cashman said he would let manager Aaron Boone announce that decision.Carrasco and Warren are in play because of injuries to Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) and Luis Gil (lat strain), plus Clarke Schmidt not being ready to start the season on time because he has only built up to 32 pitches after being slowed by shoulder fatigue.“[Schmidt] is not gonna start with us on time because he just hasn’t had a spring training yet,” Cashman said.

“But he’s certainly going in the right direction.”Ian Hamilton will also not be ready to start the season on time after being slowed earlier in camp by an infection.Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+.

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Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! He made his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday but needs more time to finish off his buildup, according to Cashman....