The New York Yankees fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. The offense produced just four hits and failed to deliver with runners on base all evening. It was a familiar problem for the Yankees lineup.
The loss dropped New York to 64-51, with the gap to Tampa Bay in the AL East growing and Boston closing in from behind in the wild-card race.
The standings are tightening. So is the competition inside the Yankees’ own clubhouse.
Warren Faces an Uncertain Future
Carlos Rodón is nearing a return from the elbow inflammation that has kept him out since late June. He is expected to pitch in a minor league rehab game this weekend, putting the Yankees on a timeline to bring him back into the rotation. When that happens, one of the current starters will be moved to the bullpen.
Will Warren was asked about the uncertainty of his role moving forward.
“There’s definitely a lot of uncertainty,” Warren said. “I think it’s a good thing we have all these arms. At the end of the day, my job is to take the ball every time I get it. Whenever that is, I’m going to go out there and try to execute.”
Warren understands where he stands. His July was uneven, and while he closed the month with a brilliant shutout outing against the Cubs, Wednesday’s start did not help his case.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 05: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees walks off the mound after giving up 3 runs during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium on August 05, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The Fifth Inning Came Undone
Warren was sharp through four innings against St. Louis. Then the fifth arrived. A pair of singles put runners on the corners with one out. Warren nearly escaped, working back in the count to punch out César Prieto for the second out.
But JJ Wetherholt jumped on a sweeper and sent it well over the center fielder for a two-run double. Iván Herrera followed with another extra-base hit to center that brought in a third run. Three runs on two swings turned a scoreless game into a deficit the offense could not erase.
“Hindsight, probably throw a different pitch to Wetherholt,” Warren said. “He put a good swing on it. I think I probably threw one too many there.”
Warren took responsibility for the Herrera at-bat too, calling the pitch a gift over the middle of the plate. He finished with seven hits allowed and five strikeouts across 5⅓ innings. The early work was strong. The late damage was costly.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 05: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium on August 05, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Yankees
Warren cannot control the decision. He can only control what he does with the ball when they hand it to him. He said as much Wednesday night, and the self-awareness was genuine.
Rodón’s return is approaching. The clock is ticking.
The uncertainty is real. How Warren responds to it will say everything.
Yankees Face Major Rotation Decision as Starter Nears Return