Overview
- The Yankees carried 25-year-old reliever Cade Winquest on their 26-man roster for Opening Day, making him the club’s first Rule 5 selection to reach the opener since 2007.
- Under Rule 5 rules, he must stay on the active roster all season or be placed on waivers and, if unclaimed, offered back to the Cardinals for $50,000.
- New York opened with a four-man rotation and optioned Luis Gil to Triple-A, which created a bullpen spot that gives Winquest a chance to pitch early.
- Despite a 7.20 ERA in 10 spring innings, coaches worked with him on a new sinker and a revived cutter, and the team values his high-velocity fastball and curveball.
- Manager Aaron Boone said his role will take shape in time, and Winquest’s family traveled for the San Francisco series as he readies for a debut he says will bring nerves and excitement.