Takeaways | Marcus Stroman, Yankees pitchers struggle as bats stay quiet in loss to SF Giants

NEW YORK – The Yankees’ not started off badly and never improved.

Marcus Stroman had a disastrous first inning and the Yankees’ bats couldn’t get anything going in a 9-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants in a game called in the top of the sixth because of rain Friday night at a cold and windy Yankee Stadium.

The loss was the fifth in the last five games for Aaron Boone’s club, which started off the season by winning six of its first eight games.

Stroman’s outing sunk the Yankees after he surrendered five runs before even recording an out, but the Yankees’ pitchers overall struggled – collectively they gave up four runs and walked 11 San Francisco batters, including four from Yoendrys Gomez in the sixth.

The Yanks deployed four relievers to get through the game, which isn’t exactly ideal as they started a run of 13 consecutive games.

Apr 11, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) walks off after being relieved during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Yankees’ offense managed just two hits, with their lone run coming on an RBI double by Austin Wells off Robbie Ray in the second inning.

Disastrous first inning for starter Marcus Stroman

The right-hander gave up a double on the first pitch of the game to Mike Yastremski, then walked Willy Adames.

Then Jung Hoo Lee delivered the big blow with a three-run home run into the right-field stands, eliciting boos and groans

Just like that, the Yankees were in a 3-0 hole.

Stroman walked the next two batters before LaMonte Wade Jr. then made things worse with a two-run single.

Stroman didn’t record an out until striking out former Met Wilmer Flores, the seventh batter of the game.

Patrick Bailey then flied out to left before No. 9 hitter Tyler Fitzgerald singled to left, prompting manager Aaron Boone to go to the bullpen and bring in Ryan Yarbrough.

It’s been an odd season for Stroman, who was the center of controversy when he arrived to spring training without a spot in the rotation – Stroman delayed his report date, then declared to reporters he was a starter.

Stroman ended up getting that coveted spot due to injuries to Luis Gil and later Gerrit Cole, but things haven’t gone well so far.

Stroman allowed seven earned runs in 8.2 innings in his first two outings against the Brewers and Pirates.

Clarke Schmidt’s return could be soon

Manager Aaron Boone said before the game that Clarke Schmidt could be reinserted back into the rotation in “five or six days.”

Schmidt, who started the season on the injured list with right rotator cuff tightness, threw four scoreless innings with four strikeouts in his second rehab start for Double-A Somerset on Thursday.

“Really good,” Boone said. “I just watched his outing a couple hours ago. Thought he was sharp.”

Boone wouldn’t speculate what Schmidt’s return could mean for the Yankees’ rotation – though Will Warren could be most susceptible to losing his spot since he has minor league options.

Carlos Carrasco, who’s given up 10 earned runs in 11.2 innings across three appearances (two starts), would need to be designated for assignment.

“Let’s play tonight and see where we’re at,” Boone said. “We’ll map that out.”

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com:

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