Allan Winans wasn’t supposed to be a name Yankee fans cared about this summer. But here he is, pushing for a spot in the rotation.
Winans, 29, was activated prior to Monday night's series-opener against the Reds in Cincinnati after dominating at Triple-A Scranton.
His line down there was screaming for a promotion. He was 7–0, 0.90 ERA, 10.4 K/9, and just one home run allowed in 50 innings. At one point, he struck out 10 of 11 batters in a single outing. According to MiLB records, no one had done that since at least 1961.
It is all the more intriguing because of his journey.
Winans was a 17th-round pick by the Mets back in 2018, a Rule 5 snag by the Braves in 2021, and a DFA in January before the Yankees grabbed him. Like Yankees backup catcher JC Escarra, Winans has struggled to keep the dream alive, serving as a substitute teacher back in his hometown of Bakersfield in the offseason.
Winans made his MLB debut with the Braves in July 2023 and showed flashes of promise, including a seven-inning scoreless outing against the Mets. But over eight appearances, he struggled to a 7.20 ERA, giving up 40 hits and nine homers in 40 innings before being designated for assignment.
The Yankees are getting healthier, and Marcus Stroman is nearing a return. But he had an 11.57 ERA before he got hurt in April and the Yankees haven't been in a rush to add him back to the rotation. If Winans can carry his minor-league success into the majors Monday night, he might have a chance to stay.
The stuff isn’t overpowering, but the command, tempo, and competitiveness are all there, according to scouts.
Winans will have a chance to show the Yankees Monday night that he can help them down the stretch.
