The New York Yankees secured a solid 3-0 victory against the Oakland Athletics in the opening game of their series, showcasing a strong performance from pitcher Will Warren who dominated for five innings before the bullpen stepped in to close out the game. However, the Yankees are anxiously awaiting the return of Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil, both key pitchers who have been sidelined for an extended period. Stroman, who has struggled with knee inflammation, will make his long-awaited return to the mound as the starter for Sunday’s finale against the Athletics, marking his first start since April 11. This is a critical moment for Stroman, who has seen his performance wane with an ERA above 11 at the beginning of 2025, and the Yankees may be forced to shift him to the bullpen if he cannot regain his form.

Fans are hoping Stroman can channel his earlier success to bolster a Yankees rotation that has faced challenges due to a recent injury to Ryan Yarbrough. There’s a lot at stake for Stroman, not just in terms of his team’s performance but also as he approaches free agency after this season. His insistence on remaining a starter adds pressure to seize this opportunity and perform well, especially with several capable pitchers waiting in the wings.