The New York Yankees have a handful of roster decisions to make ahead of their Wild Card series with the Boston Red Sox, with one of their top rookie pitchers being potentially left off the roster.
The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty mentioned Will Warren as a possible candidate to be left off the Wild Card series roster. The Wild Card series is only three games, so carrying more than three starting pitchers isn’t necessary unless the Yankees want to keep Warren for possible bullpen usage.
“He doesn’t project to start in the wild-card round,” Kuty said. “Would the Yankees use him out of the bullpen, or would they prefer an experienced relief arm?”
It should also be noted that Aaron Boone announced that Cam Schlittler would start a potential Game 3 if it’s needed, which could affect Warren’s availability for the series.
Warren had an up-and-down season in 2025, pitching to a 9-8 record with a 4.44 ERA in 33 starts. However, Warren did punch out 171 batters in 162.1 innings of work, the most amongst American League rookies.
Nonetheless, the Yankees will evaluate what to do with Warren ahead of a pivotal matchup with the Boston Red Sox. After struggling against the Red Sox during the regular season, the Yankees — who finished the season on an eight-game winning streak — are looking to right their wrongs and secure another trip to the ALDS.
