The Yankees made a critical roster move this weekend. Ryan Yarbrough was placed on the IL with a right oblique strain, leaving a gap in the rotation. While the team labeled the injury “low-grade,” any strain in that area can linger.
To fill the void, the Yankees called up right-hander Allan Winans from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He will start Monday’s game against Cincinnati.
This move reflects both concern over Yarbrough’s health and growing confidence in Winans’ Triple-A dominance.
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Ryan Yarbrough Placed on the IL
Ryan Yarbrough placed on the IL may not shock fans, but it does change the rotation outlook. He has been a steady arm for the Yankees, working in both relief and starting roles. Over 16 appearances, he has posted a 3–1 record with a 3.90 ERA.
Manager Aaron Boone said the team acted early to avoid a more serious setback. They don’t want Yarbrough to pitch through discomfort or risk aggravating the strain.
He’s expected to miss at least a couple of weeks, but the team hopes he’ll return before the All-Star break.
Winans Earns His Shot
With Ryan Yarbrough placed on the IL, the Yankees are turning to a newcomer with promise. Allan Winans has dominated at Triple-A, going 7–0 with a 0.90 ERA in 11 outings.
He relies on sharp command, off-speed deception, and a confident approach on the mound. Though he made eight starts with Atlanta last season, this will be his Yankees debut.
The club acquired Winans via waivers in January and immediately slotted him into their pitching depth chart. He has exceeded expectations ever since.
Boone praised his “consistent execution” and said the team was excited to see how it translates.
Sandridge Also Called Up
Winans wasn’t the only promotion. The Yankees also recalled lefty reliever Jayvien Sandridge. He gives Boone another bullpen option as the team manages a wave of pitching injuries.
Sandridge throws hard and has strong strikeout numbers in Scranton. His call-up reflects a need for flexibility, especially with Luke Weaver and Fernando Cruz still easing back into action.
Though he’s likely to be used in low-leverage spots, Sandridge has a chance to carve out a role if he performs well.
For now, he’s a fresh arm in a tired bullpen.
Rotation Outlook After Yarbrough
The Yankees’ rotation has been stretched thin all season. With Gerrit Cole still working his way back and Marcus Stroman nursing knee discomfort, innings are becoming harder to manage.
Ryan Yarbrough being placed on the IL removes a key option for Boone. He had been counted on to absorb innings and shift between roles.
Winans steps in with a chance to stabilize things. If he pitches well Monday, he could stay longer than expected. The club won’t rush Cole or Stroman, and Brubaker is better suited to long relief.
Winans’ performance may shape the next several weeks of rotation decisions.
What to Watch Monday
Allan Winans will take the mound in Cincinnati for his first Yankees start. He enters hot, with elite Triple-A numbers and a growing buzz among fans.
Boone emphasized the importance of “strike-throwing and poise” when discussing the call-up. Winans has shown both in the minors, along with excellent pitch sequencing.
If he delivers five or six strong innings, he’ll make a case to stick around—especially if Yarbrough’s recovery stretches longer than planned.
This isn’t just a spot start. It’s a major opportunity.
Final Thoughts
With Ryan Yarbrough placed on the IL, the Yankees are once again leaning on organizational depth. The call-ups of Winans and Sandridge reflect a team in transition—navigating injuries, protecting veterans, and giving promising arms a chance.
Yarbrough’s absence may be brief, but it comes at a time when stability matters most. If Winans proves capable, the Yankees could have another valuable piece for their playoff push.
And for fans, Monday’s game is more than just another start. It’s the first look at what could be the next breakout arm in the Bronx.
