As the MLB season kicks off, the New York Yankees are looking to build on their explosive offensive start, highlighted by their use of the much-discussed torpedo bats. However, the team faces significant challenges on the mound, especially with injuries to key pitchers. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 25-year-old right-hander Will Warren will take the mound for his season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks, stepping into a rotation that has been shaken up due to injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil.
Warren’s journey to this moment has not been easy. After a rocky debut season in 2024, where he posted a dismal 10.32 ERA and an 0-3 record in seven games, Warren has worked hard to refine his skills. He struggled not only in the majors but also in Triple-A, where he recorded a 5.91 ERA despite a solid strikeout rate of 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings. This offseason, the Yankees have been high on Warren and believe he can contribute significantly if he can limit baserunners and harness his raw talent.
Warren’s spring training was a mixed bag, showcasing flashes of brilliance but also moments of inconsistency. He ended the spring with a 5.09 ERA over 17.2 innings, but his strikeout numbers remained strong, and his pitch mix has improved. He has sharpened his slider, reintroduced a curveball, and developed better command of his sinker and changeup. According to catcher Austin Wells, Warren has shown “a little more control of himself,” indicating a maturity that could help him succeed against tough lineups.
Facing the Arizona Diamondbacks is no small task. The Diamondbacks, just two years removed from an NL Pennant, boast a formidable lineup filled with disciplined hitters and power threats. Corbin Burnes, a former Cy Young winner, will be on the mound for Arizona, bringing a 1.42 ERA in three starts against the Yankees. The matchup is set for 7:05 PM ET, and DraftKings has the Yankees at +1.5 (-185, -115 moneyline), reflecting the competitive nature of this game.
Warren’s ability to handle the pressure and execute his game plan will be crucial. He doesn’t need to be an ace; he simply needs to keep the Yankees in the game long enough for their explosive offense to do the heavy lifting. With the Yankees’ bats making headlines, the burden now falls on Warren’s shoulders to deliver a solid performance and prove he belongs in the rotation.
In the lead-up to the game, Yankees’ star Aaron Judge expressed confidence in Warren, stating, “He’s a guy that I feel like every time I see him, every start he continues to get a little better, show something a little new.” This sentiment reflects the Yankees’ hopes that Warren’s development will translate into effective outings on the mound.
As the season progresses, the Yankees will be closely monitoring Warren’s performance. With Gil sidelined for months and Cole out for the year, the team’s rotation is thin, making Warren’s role all the more critical. If he can step up and deliver quality innings, it could set the tone for the Yankees’ pitching staff moving forward.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks will be looking to capitalize on any early-season rust from Warren. Their lineup features players like Ketel Marte, who last season boasted a .292 batting average with 36 home runs and 95 RBIs, ranking among the top hitters in MLB. Marte will be a key player to watch as he faces Warren, looking to build on his strong performance from the previous season.
Warren’s first start of the season is not just a test of his skills but also an opportunity to establish himself as a reliable arm in the Yankees’ rotation. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but these are the moments that can define a player’s career.
As the game approaches, fans are eager to see how Warren will respond in this high-pressure situation. With the Yankees’ offense firing on all cylinders, it’s a chance for the young pitcher to shine. Will he rise to the occasion and help lead the Yankees to victory, or will the Diamondbacks exploit any weaknesses? One thing is for sure: all eyes will be on Will Warren as he makes his mark on the 2025 season.
