Yankees cut five players, including three pitchers

The New York Yankees made significant cuts to their spring training roster on Saturday. Five players, including three pitchers, were reassigned to minor-league camp after a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, which the Yankees lost 8-7. This move eliminates them from the possibility of making the Opening Day roster. The pitchers reassigned include Colten Brewer, Geoff Hartlieb, and Rob Zastryzny. Also reassigned were outfielder Ismael Munguia and utility player Andrew Velazquez. Additionally, ace pitcher Gerrit Cole was placed on the 60-day injured list after having Tommy John surgery, confirming he will not play this season. This move allows Carlos Carrasco, who performed well during spring training, to join the starting rotation. With Cole and other pitchers like Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt also on the injured list, Carrasco's presence is crucial for the team's early games. The reassigned pitchers, especially Hartlieb, had a slim chance of making the major league roster, mainly due to their status as non-roster invitees. This means that if they made the team but then needed to be replaced due to injuries returning, they would likely have to leave the Yankees for another organization. In contrast, players like Brent Headrick and Yerry De Los Santos, who are on the 40-man roster, provide the Yankees with more roster flexibility. Despite the cuts, players like utility man Pablo Reyes and relief pitcher Wilking Rodríguez are still competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster.