Yankees reveal starting pitchers for opening set of 2024 spring training games

The New York Yankees have officially dropped their projected starting pitchers for the first three games of 2024 spring training -- two of them appearing on separate stages on Sunday in split-squad showcases. Yup. That means it's the best time of the year, slotting in just behind April through October (as long as things go well).

The Yankees' full squad rolled up over Presidents' Day weekend, following the pace of their pitchers and catchers. Tuesday marked their first group workout, featuring a few loud (and retooled) Giancarlo Stanton swings, Juan Soto struggling to catch up to Nestor Cortes Jr., and an Aaron Judge press conference packed with winking and smirking.

What next? It's game time. The Yankees' spring training schedule will begin in earnest on Saturday, and while Aaron Boone didn't name an official starter, he at least tipped his hand a bit.

Luis Gil, returning from Tommy John rehab, seems likely to get the Grapefruit League opener on the road in Lakeland against the Tigers. What's more set in stone was the Yankees' plan for Sunday's split-squad doubleheader: Carlos Rodón in Tampa against the Blue Jays, Marcus Stroman on the road against the Phillies.

Yankees spring training rotation starts with Luis Gil, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman...

...and a whole lot of finger-crossing.

Which to watch? Why not both! Toggle, my friends. Toggle. Stroman will be making his first appearance wearing the interlocking NY, but won't be rocking the pinstripes. Rodón? Early reports indicate he's shaved the mustache, added several miles per hour back to his fastball, and toned up ahead of an all-important year. Sunday won't represent the be all, end all for his season, but could definitely provide fans with a better opening salvo than last year, when he left early after getting rocked by the Braves and eventually revealed a forearm strain.

The Yankees' rotation certainly could be a strength this season. On the other hand, it might also end up like Aaron Judge's toe: in need of constant maintenance. This weekend's outings won't be determinative, and should being mostly optimism, even if they don't go off without a hitch. Still, it would be great to get some assurance of stability -- and don't sleep on Gil, who looked to have as live an arm as any before he was shut down in early 2022.