The New York Yankees were hit hard before the season ever started. Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy John surgery and Luis Gil went on the injured list with a lat strain that could keep him out until the middle of July.

The Yankees do not seem interested in giving Marcus Stroman another shot and have already moved on from Carlos Carrasco in the rotation. BALLCAP Sports’ Jim Riley predicted the team would acquire Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers.

“The plan when they signed (Max) Fried was to have a lefty and a righty at the top of the rotation, aces leading them back to the World Series, and if we get to the World Series and face off with the (Los Angeles) Dodgers again we need to be able to go toe-to-toe with the their rotation as well,” said Riley. “Right now, the Yankees do not have a rotation that could go toe-to-toe with a healthy Dodgers starting pitching group, so you have to continue to add, Freddy Peralta, I think, would be the piece.”

Riley also tabbed the Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres as suitors for Peralta. However, he noted that the Yankees’ farm system is deep and could intrigue the Brewers.

Peralta has an $8 million club option for next season, but is projected to earn a five-year, $110 million deal on the open market. He was an All-Star in 2021 and has a 3.40 ERA since becoming a full-time starter that season. He is looking like an All-Star again this season and could help carry the Yankees through October.

He has a 2.55 ERA this year and has been extremely reliable in terms of staying healthy. He has made 30-plus starts in each of his last two seasons. Brian Cashman will have to be aggressive if he wants the Yankees back in the World Series.