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TAMPA — A lot had to happen for Carlos Carrasco to have any chance of making the Yankees out of camp.
But none of it would have mattered if the veteran right-hander did not put together the kind of spring he has so far, with just one start left to go.
Carrasco, who turns 38 on Friday, continued to look like he will claim a spot in the Yankees rotation to start the season, tossing five shutout innings against the Braves on an efficient 54 pitches Wednesday night at Steinbrenner Field.
“He’s right in that mix,” manager Aaron Boone said after Carrasco threw 16 more pitches in the bullpen to build up to 70. “I don’t want to speak too soon, but he’s done everything he can to give himself that opportunity.”
Because of injuries to Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) and Luis Gil (lat strain), plus Clarke Schmidt (shoulder fatigue) trending toward starting the season on the injured list so he can finish off his buildup in Florida, there is an opening for both Carrasco and Will Warren to start the season in the rotation.
Carrasco, who gave up two singles and one walk while striking out three, has a contract opt-out looming on Saturday that could pressure the Yankees to add him to the roster.
But it almost appears to be a formality at this point with Carrasco posting a 1.69 ERA through five spring outings spanning 16 innings.
“Listen, I’ve been [through] a lot of tough times in my life, so this is nothing,” Carrasco said when asked if he is thinking about the opt-out. “The only thing I can control right now is pitch every five days. I’ll have to worry about that when it’s coming, but as of right now, no.”
Carrasco arrived at camp on a minor league deal having spent the offseason working on his mechanics, which has led to a tick up in fastball velocity.
The Yankees have also worked with him on improving his arm slot, which has helped bring some life back to his six-pitch arsenal.
“Really good — a little surprised too, at the same time,” Carrasco said of his stuff. “It feels really good, getting those pitches back that I used to [have] when I used to pitch like four or five years ago. I know we had some rough years, but we learned from that. What happened last year [a 5.64 ERA in 21 starts with the Guardians], I learned this offseason and brought it here.”
