Yankees Notes: Rotation decisions, Gerrit Cole's next start and Carlos Lagrange's spring training honor
· Yahoo Sports
Before the Yankees begin their 2026 season with Wednesday's 8:05 p.m. Opening Night game at the San Francisco Giants, New York has two more spring training games -- 3:05 p.m. starts Monday and Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz.
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Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery recovery) will start Tuesday's game with two innings in mind, followed by left-hander Ryan Weathers, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.
The Yankees enter the regular season with a four-man rotation -- left-hander Max Fried, right-handers Cam Schlittler and Will Warren and the left-handed Weathers -- YES Network's Meredith Marakovits reported.
New York is "discussing what that means for Luis Gil," Hoch said.
"Gil will remain behind in Tampa and throw live batting practice on Wednesday," Hoch wrote. "The Yanks are considering optioning him to the minors. If they don't, Matt Blake said they may use him in a piggyback role."
Gil's spring training was a struggle, but he ended his last start on a high note.
Anthony Volpe injury update
ShortstopAnthony Volpe (left shoulder) "is expected to get in rehab games in mid April," according to Marakovits.
More than a month ago, Volpe said that an April return would "definitely" be possible.
Carlos Lagrange wins 2026 James P. Dawson Award
The Yankees' annual honor for the most outstanding rookie of spring training is Carlos Lagrange, the right-hander whose efforts made being sent down "a difficult decision."
"Well, I feel pretty good with my participation in this big league camp," Lagrange told Marakovits. "You know, that was my first one. It was pretty good."
Lagrange, 22, went 1-0 with a 0.66 ERA in 13.1 IP over four games (one start), allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits (one homer) while striking out 13 and walking four.
"I think I take a lot of confidence because when you have a really good team on your back, you know, you pitch with confidence," Lagrange said. "And during the summer, you know they can help you make the plays."
Lagrange is the Yankees' top pitching prospect and ranked No. 2 overall behind infielder Greg Lombard Jr., according to MLB Pipeline.