Not sure there’s ever been a bigger size disparity between two rehabbing big-leaguers on the same team, but both Giancarlo Stanton and Marcus Stroman have taken the next steps in their recoveries at Double-A Somerset. Rumors are swirling that the Yankees could welcome Stanton back as soon as the weekend series in Boston, but Stroman is going to take plenty of time to assure he’s built back up before attempting to crack the MLB active roster.

After his return to the mound, he spoke to the media and praised the Yankees’ training staff for guiding him through a two-month absence. Though he professed he’s still looking to get “back to 100%,” he went impressively deep in his very first attempt on Wednesday, going 3 1/3 innings, surrendering one hit and one run, walking two, and whiffing four.

It was the sharpest he’s looked in any action in 2025, a season that started with his delayed arrival to spring training and fervent assertion that, despite a crowded rotation that seemed to prioritize others, he was a starting pitcher. The Yankees almost certainly shopped him, but in the end kept him in the fold … only for three starters to go down in camp … followed by Stroman going down shortly thereafter in April.

Now on the road to recovery (and assuredly not going to hit his 140-inning vesting option plateau), Stroman has struck a cheerier tone. Fate intervened and prevented him from getting into a protracted innings battle with the Yankees. Without that Sword of Damocles hanging over his head, he’s now more than willing to explore spending some time in the bullpen (or, you know, a starting role here or elsewhere). Whatever the team needs.

Yankees’ Marcus Stroman is willing to return in the bullpen after rehab assignment

The same thing is true from when he left: it’s unclear what exactly he’d bring to the bullpen, beyond eating innings. Stroman’s shining skill is limiting hard contact and inducing grounders, and it’s doubtful that his velocity/stuff will tick up in short sprints or high leverage.

That said … the Yankees’ bullpen is thinner now than it was when he left. Yerry de los Santos and Brent Headrick have had their moments, but neither is essential, and de los Santos is miscast as a long man. Ian Hamilton needs a reset. There are plenty of opportunities for Stroman to contribute without upending the rotation.

Stroman is a more attractive trade chip these days without that looming option dangling over his efforts. Still, the Yankees would probably be wise to see what he can bring to the table before trying to foist him on someone else. After all, quality pitching depth remains a pain point.