LOS ANGELES – The Yankees added Carlos Carrasco to their roster for Sunday’s series finale against the Dodgers.
Yerry De los Santos was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
The transaction comes a day after the Yankees were shelled by the Dodgers in an 18-2 loss. Will Warren lasted just 1.1 innings and was charged with seven earned runs, while six relievers – Brent Headrick, Ian Hamilton, Mark Leiter Jr., De los Santos, Devin Williams and Luke Weaver – all pitched before position player Pablo Reyes spent the final inning on the mound.
With Sunday starter Ryan Yarbrough averaging five innings per start and De los Santos and Headrick having pitched in the first two games of the series, the Yankees opted for a fresh arm in Carrasco, a starter by trade.
“He’s got length, so he definitely gives us that coverage,” manager Aaron Boone said.
Carrasco last pitched at Triple-A on May 18, but Boone said the righty is healthy and built up.
A non-roster invitee in spring training, Carrasco cracked the Yankees’ injury-ravaged Opening Day rotation. However, the 38-year-old recorded a 5.91 ERA over 32 innings, eight games and six starts. Carrasco, now in his 16th season, was designated for assignment on May 6. However, the veteran cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A.
Carrasco made two starts for the RailRiders. He allowed seven earned runs over 6.1 innings.
Cousins To Begin Rehab Assignment
Jake Cousins (flexor strain, pec) is scheduled to start a rehab assignment on Tuesday, Boone said. The manager wasn’t sure which affiliate the reliever will pitch for.
Cousins has yet to make his 2025 debut. He had a breakout year with the Yankees last season, posting a 2.37 ERA and 53 strikeouts over 38 innings.
Smith Opts Out
Veteran first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith exercised his opt out with the Yankees on Sunday, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The former Met was with the Yankees in spring training and opted out at the end of camp before signing a new minor league deal with the club a few days later.
Smith hit .317/.389/.622 with seven home runs at Triple-A in May.
