Part 4/8:
Without a fully-healthy Schmidt, the opening rotation faces potential issues. Currently, Carlos Rodon is set to start on opening day, with Jordan Montgomery scheduled for the second game, and Marcus Stroman filling in as a third starter. Instead of providing solid depth, Stroman went from being a likely trade candidate to a middle-of-the-rotation option, a position that raises anxiety about the team's overall strength.
The situation is further complicated by injuries to other players: Luis Heal is expected to miss an extensive period, while Gerrit Cole is out for the entire year. These realities have left the Yankees looking for suitable replacements amidst a fragile pitching staff.